By Peter Rhead
The Overcalls that show two suits: Unusual Two No-Trump
Last week we looked at the two-suited Overcall called Michaels Cuebid, made when you have two suits and want to compete in the opponent’s opening of one major when you have the other major suit (Hearts or Spades). This week we look at the second of the two Overcalls that show two suits at the same time, the `Unusual Two No-Trump`. These two Overcalls both give you the legal opportunity to make two bids for the price of one bid.
Consider making a bid of Two No-Trump if the opponents have opened the bidding, but you have good values in a two-suited hand (at least 5-4 in the lowest two of the other suits). If you can find partner with one of these suits, you have a good opportunity to compete. As with the simple Overcall, you need at least 11 points for this two level competing.
You use these two-suited Overcall bids for three reasons. You want to compete for a part-score or game. You want to suggest a possible lead for partner. You want to obstruct the opponent’s bidding.
The Unusual Two No-Trump is used only if the opponents open any suit and you are two-suited in the two lowest unbid suits. If they open One Heart and you have Clubs and Diamonds, you Overcall Two No-Trump to show a two-suited hand holding these two lowest unbid suits. If they open One Diamond and you have Hearts and Clubs, you Overcall Two No-Trump.
The opponents who opened One Heart can ask the meaning of your bid and your partner is obliged to explain it to them “My partner’s hand is two-suited with Clubs and Diamonds and about 11 points.”
If the opponents continue bidding, your partner is off the hook. Otherwise your partner must bid in response to your Two No-Trump with his best of your known two suits. Partner assumes you have about 11 points for your Overcall. Unless partner has a big hand with 17 points or more he bids just three of the best supporting suit, competing for a part-score. When we are talking minor suits, the partnership might need 28 points for a game. With 17 points, partner may jump to game in one of your two known suits. For a major suit, the partnership can consider game with just 25 points.
The Unusual Two No-Trump bid is made only below game level. It is made only when partner has not yet bid. It is made only immediately after the opponent’s opening, or after two Passes. The Unusual Two No-Trump cannot be used to show Spades and a lower suit because it shows only the two lowest unbid suits. To show Spades, you must bid a simple Overcall.
For more information, read “Michaels Cuebid” and “Unusual Two-No-Trump” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 127.
Next Week: Lead Directing Doubles.
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to [email protected] and I will try to include it in this column.
SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)
Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].
This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.
PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB
Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.
For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]
Results for Monday, Dec 9, 2019 1. Andree Baillargeon & Scott Staples 3410 points; 2. Els Vandenberg & Peter Rhead 3300 points; 3. Joan & Len Frost 2920 points
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]
The following winners are for Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019 with 7 pairs playing a Howell Movement 1. Gerry VanLierop and Ron Groulx; 2. Kelly Andresen and Kel Andresen; 3-4. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts; 3-4. Helen Pearson and Jim Smith
MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)
Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]
The following winners are from Monday, Dec 9, 2019 with 10 pairs playing a Mitchell movement. North-South 1. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 2. Isabel Hellberg and Nancy Barber; 3. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; East-West 1. Gail Lederer and David Bryce; 2. Art Insley and Don Evans; 3. Betty Rintoul and Gerry Flaherty
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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