After a 1NT overcall

[brisny65]

My partner opened 1♦ and RHO overcalled 1NT. My hand was:

♠ - K8752

♥ - AT97

♦ - 7

♣ - 865

 

I did not feel I was strong enough to bid 2♠ with only 7 HCP; besides, this bid would ignore the 4 card heart suit. Double would be for penalty. I passed, and RHO made 1NT. At the other table, they made 3♥ our way. How can I show my partner what I have in the majors?

[mtvesuvius]

Many people use 2♣ is this auction to show the Majors... You then lose the 2♣ bid, but it is a very worthwile sacrifice, for hands just like these... You can even use a system over 1NT, that allows you to bid your partner's suit naturally.

 

From my notes with one partner:

1♦ - (1NT) - ?

X = Penalty

2♣ = Majors

2♦ = To Play; 5+♦

2M = Natural; To Play

2NT = To guard against a psych, 2NT is GF (Unless weak w/♣), Relay to 3♣

-3♣ = Forced

--Pass = Weak w/♣

--3♦ = ♦ Support; GF

--3♥ = Natural; GF

--3♠ = Natural; GF

--3NT = To Play

 

1♥ - (1NT) - ?

2♣ = Relay to 2♦ (Long ♦/♥ Support; Invitational/Long ♠)

2♦ = ♦ + ♠

2♥ = ♥ Support; To Play

2♠ = ♠ + ♣

2NT = To guard against a psych; GF (Unless weak w/♣); Relay to 3♣

-3♣ = Forced

--Pass = Weak with ♣

--3♦ = Natural; GF

--3♥ = ♥ Support; GF

--3♠ = Natural; GF

--3NT = To Play

 

1♠ - (1NT) - ?

2♣ = Relay to 2♦ (Long ♦/Long ♥/♠ Support; Invitational)

2♦ = ♦ + ♥

2♥ = ♥ + ♣

2♠ = ♠ Support; To Play

2NT = To guard against a psych; GF (Unless weak w/♣); Relay to 3♣

-3♣ = Forced

--Pass = Weak w/♣

--3♦ = Natural; GF

--3♥ = ♥ Support; GF

--3♠ = Natural; GF

--3NT = To Play

[JLOL]

A lot of people play 2C majors here. It works well on hands like this, and if you have clubs you were probably gonna get outbid by majors anyways.

[kgr]

I did not feel I was strong enough to bid 2♠ with only 7 HCP;

DBL is penalty and 2-level bids are not forcing. Your strength is no issue here.

[beauchamp0]

After 1 of a minor by partner and a 1NT overcall by RHO, I respond as if partner had opened 1NT.

 

Thus, I would rebid 2♣ Stayman with the example hand.

[Free]

I like to play 2Om (here 2♣) as both Majors, this hand is perfect for this treatment. And as Justin said: if you have ♣ then opps will outbid you in the Majors anyway.

[gwnn]

over 1M-(1NT):

 

2♣=both majors (2-5, 3-5, 3-6)

2♦=good raise

2oM, 2M=just competitive

2NT=good raise with shape

 

over 1m-(1NT):

 

2♣=both majors

2♦=one major, good hand

2M=just competitive

2NT=good raise

 

this structure is a bit controversial because you lose the single raise of partner's minor, but it's not something you use a lot anyway.