jdonn Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Why do people think it's okay to double 1♠ with a much weaker balanced hand (even a 3433 balanced hand) but "too dangerous" to overcall 1NT with an extra king? It's much harder to double a suit for penalties after a takeout double, even after a redouble. If they are 5-1 the 1 might pull, if they are 3-3 they might not be able to double, not to mention if you have a fit it's extremely difficult to double you even if it's right. It's also much harder after a 1NT overcall for a weak partner to know when to run or not. The safety issues are not even comparable. In fact on the original hand if you switch the hearts and diamonds then I would prefer double over 1NT. I do not agree with your use of the word "much" either, at least not as I would advocate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pclayton Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Agree that pass is slightly better, but I don't have a real problem with 1NT on this hand. Why do people think it's okay to double 1♠ with a much weaker balanced hand (even a 3433 balanced hand) but "too dangerous" to overcall 1NT with an extra king? It's not like double gets you out any lower (still can't play below 1NT) and LHO has a redouble to head-hunt if he wants. Phil even indicated that "he would power double if he had one available"... why is this safer than overcalling? Sure sometimes 1NT plays better from partner's side, but a lot of times it won't, especially a lot of the times you're going for a number it won't much matter who declares. Obviously it helps to have good runouts after 1NT is doubled for penalty. I think I can safely say that there isn't a single suit combination across the table from A432 where the NT isn't superior (or at least equal) played by pard. Just because I like a power double with this hand however, doesn't imply that I mind a 1N overcall, because I don't. A power double gives us many more options on the hand, and pard won't automatically play us for a perfect shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherdano Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 I am surprised about all the 1N overcall haters, I love overcalling 1N! (But I wouldn't on this hand. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that with 4 spades, we are less likely to miss game. If partner has some points, he will be able to double if he is not of the need-a-mountain-to-act-in-sandwich-seat school.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jlall Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 I would not overcall 1N with the ST. The spade holding is a huge issue but for me this hand is just not good enough overall, even if you add the ST (which makes it quite a bit better). I think a random 15 is not good enough to just go in with 1N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P_Marlowe Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 I have done it. It may even be your best bet, if you playwith a partner you rarely know, becauseit may simplify the later auction. The risk exists, but there is also a risk, if youpass, ... may be cheaper. With kind regardsMarlowe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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