Methods to handle wide range 2-level overcalls

[Bende]

After (1x) - pass - (1NT), several sources (for example Lawrence in The Complete Book on Overcalls) say you should overcall aggressively with a higher suit. With modern light openings and sometimes very light 1NT-responses, doesn't this put a lot of pressure on partner if these 2-level overcalls have a wide range?

 

I have seen good players using an 1NT-defence in this situation, for example

 

(1m) - pass - (1NT) -

2♣ = both majors

2♦ = one major, weaker overcall

2♥ = natural, sound overcall

2♠ = natural, sound overcall

 

This seems to make a lot of sense since you probably don't want to overcall a minor very often here anyway. Is this common? Do you play any other conventions in this situation or do you simply not think the wide range is much of a problem?

[JLOGIC]

That convention handles the problem you talk about nicely, but I think losing a natural 2m overcall is too high of a price. You definitely can have a 2m overcall after 1m p 1N.

 

I have never heard of this convention but it doesn't seem terrible. If you don't play it you just deal as well as you can with the wide range problem, just like any preempted auction.

[bluecalm]

This is super standard in Poland. People play various things here, the most common is:

 

1♣ - pass - 1NT - ?? now use your defense against 1nt openr

 

1♦ pass - 1NT - here there are a lot of versions; one I like and which is quite popular is 2♣ = majors, uneven length or strong hand, 2♦ = 5-5majors.

[mgoetze]

This is super standard in Poland. People play various things here, the most common is:

 

1♣ - pass - 1NT - ?? now use your defense against 1nt openr

 

Well duh, in Poland this auction is basically 1NT(12-14) - pass - 1NT, at least whenever you want to get into the bidding. It becomes rather less obvious if you are playing against, say, ACOL.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

one way to handle wide range overcalls is to introduce add. ways to raise

partners suit, e.g. introduce "mixed raises".

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[mfa1010]

Hi,

 

one way to handle wide range overcalls is to introduce add. ways to raise

partners suit, e.g. introduce "mixed raises".

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

True, but it doesn't handle the fundamental problem of deciding whether to risk the 3-level in the first place.

[P_Marlowe]

True, but it doesn't handle the fundamental problem of deciding whether to risk the 3-level in the first place.

I know, my suggestion only helps to minimize the issue, but at least it helps avoiding

going to 4 level with no pay at all.

Playing IMPs thy they are still wary to make a penalty double of 3 level contracts, they

are not so restrained if it come to 4 level contracts.

And of course, unless you have a very tight overcall style, you always risk going down in a

no play contract, if you raise.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[JLOGIC]

 

And of course, unless you have a very tight overcall style, you always risk going down in a

no play contract, if you raise.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

 

Or unless you play a method where you can show a light overcall and a sound overcall, like the one described exactly in the OP, in which case you can greatly minimize the chances of going down at the 3 level while not missing games...Isn't that what we were discussing?