2-suited overcalls

[kgr]

I read a system description about 2-suited overcalls, but no examples or point ranges are included:

1C-(P)-1D-

DBL: 4(3)-4(3)

1NT: 4-4 good hand

2C: 5cH-4cS

2D: 4cH-5cS

==

1C-(P)-1S-

DBL: 4cD-4cH

1NT: 5cD-4cH good hand

2C: 4cD-5cH

==

What point range would you give these bids or what are the minimal hands you bid it with? Especially the distinction between DBL and 1NT in first case.

[skjaeran]

I strongly prefer to keep 1NT as a strong balanced overcall in the sandwich position. So these methods doesn't suit me at all.

 

I use normal t/o double, and apply cuebid of opener's suit and 2NT to show two-suiters. Cuebid of the 2nd suit is natural.

 

If you somehow could convince me to play the methods you mention, I'd play double as 9-13 in the 1st case and 1NT as 14+, the cuebids as 10-14 or something like that. In the 2nd case I'd play double as normal t/o - something like 12+ and 1NT and 2♣ as 10-14 and double with stronger hands with 4♥5♦.

[Free]

I play something similar:

 

After 1X - pass - 1Y - ?

 

Dbl = other suits, equal length/quality

1NT = other suits, lower suit longer/better

2X = other suits, higher suit longer/better

2Y = natural

 

We don't use point ranges since these are quite useless. The game isn't much about strength, it's about shape. Fighting the partscore battle this way is imo quite easy for us. You may occasionally find a game, you may miss one as well. Oh well, doesn't every system have it's problem hands? B)

 

In general I don't like a natural 1NT overcall, but I know it has it's merrits from time to time. Especially against light opening systems (who also respond light) it can be very useful. But against solid systems I really prefer my own pet system.

[MFA]

I prefer 1NT to be natural. 2Y should definitely be natural.

 

BTW, I think it's a good idea to use 2m in 1m-p-1Ma-2m to show 5-5 in the majors (and a good hand, obviously). At the moment, I play it as natural, but I might have a talk with pard about this soon.