Common problem

[Hanoi5]

Today I held:

 

♠KJ

♥A98x

♦Qx

♣KQ9xx

 

Pa-Pa-1♦-???

 

I overcalled 2♣, but somehow toyed with the idea of doubling (terrible if partner bids spades) or bidding 1♥ (Horrible suit for a 4-card overcall).

 

Partner came down with:

 

♠Txxx

♥KQTx

♦Txx

♣Jx

 

I made 9 tricks but the same amount was available in hearts and it was MP's. How do experts handle this?

[ggwhiz]

Mike Lawrence MIGHT overcall 1♥ with 1 more diamond and 1 less ♠ but even he would probably need the ♥10.

 

Looks like a natural tragedy. A T/O double of 1♦ sucks but happens a lot on BBO, just not from anyone any good.

[gwnn]

On this particular hand, I like all of:

 

x

1N

2♣

 

I don't like any of:

pass

1♥

 

The upsides and downsides of each call are obvious. x is a little off-beat, and I don't expect real experts ever to choose it.

 

Anyway, I don't agree with the thread title: I don't think this is such a common problem.

[Phil]

From worst to the not quite so bad:

 

1♥ is bizarre. A98x? LOL!

 

I cannot stomach a double. It randomizes the auction and partner never bids hearts. Sometimes we end up OK; most of the time we do not.

 

1N is just awful. We are underweight, and have a marginal stop.

 

Alas, sometimes no bid fits our hand, so we have to pass.

 

2♣ is OK I guess. I think the extra strength makes up for marginal suit quality.

 

So I would grade it:

 

2♣ - 10

Pass - 8

1N - 3

Dbl - 3

1♥ - 1

 

This is a tough problem!

[655321]

Would like to know the vulnerability.

 

NV I would bid 1NT, it gets the values across, and pays proper respect to the Qx in their suit.

 

Vulnerable this is a bit more risky, after all KJ of spades (and the Qx of diamonds!) might not be pulling their full weight. 1NT is possible anyway, but I would probably overcall 2♣.

 

Dislike double the most, also I don't like 1♥, and (while I don't love 2♣ with this suit) I prefer overcalling 2♣ to passing.

[aguahombre]

Remember the other threads where 2C/1D is a cheap and effective preempt; I would have chosen it, just because it falls somewhere in between all the things said previously.

[JLOGIC]

I am fine with 2C and don't hate pass, hate all others.

[Zelandakh]

I'd much sooner play X-1S-2C to show a raptor in H+C than start overcalling these hands 1H. 2C looks absolutely fine.

[bluecalm]

I would never bid 1♥ but I think it's not completely stupid and maybe even worth consideration. One would need to make analysis but I think in general if you have 12-15hcp and say: 2-4-3-4 overcalling 1♥ is often good and I saw such plays made by good players (Meck) even withotu super strong hearts.

I guess pass is "book" bid but nobody ever wins by passing in this game so...

[Codo]

Of course this is a common hand type and problematic for standard bidding- this is why they invented raptor despite the fact that they will suffer with good NThands.

 

I had choosen 2 club too, no problem.

[hanp]

I would bid 2C, distant second choice 1NT.

[dake50]

I Play Power Dbl, so am often overcalling 1M with 4xM.

Simple overcall invites partner's suit, whereas jump overcall shows 1-suited.

Here 1H is easy common.

[keylime]

1♥ for me; the majors is where it's at!

[MickyB]

1NT or 2♣ depending on conditions, make it slightly stronger and I would always bid 1NT.