question

[vgarla]

raising partener suit after over call

[TylerE]

I think you a few words.

[aguahombre]

Who is the overcaller?

 

If it is partner, we believe in raising with the normal 6-9 type hands and support, but cueing with more.

 

If it is opponents who have overcalled, we believe in raising with the normal 6-9 type hands and support, but cueing with more.

[fromageGB]

Assuming the question relates to raising your partner's opening after an opponent's overcall, then certainly raise on the same hands you would do after a pass. However, the overcall may well take away some of your raising options. For example, in an uncontested auction if you use Bergen support raises it may go 1♥ 3♣ when you have 4 card support and 7-10 points (or equivalent), while a direct raise to 3♥ would be weaker. When there is a 2♦ overcall, you may prefer a 3♣ bid to be natural and forcing. So if it goes 1♥ (2♦) 3♥ then (without any other agreements) that 3♥ is now wide ranging and partner may be a bit stuck knowing what to do next.

 

Common methods sacrifice the natural 2NT and use that as a raise, and use the cue bid of opponent's suit as a raise. Discuss with partner. My preference is that you

1) transfer to 2♥ with a full strength (7-10) 3 card raise (by bidding 2♦ or doubling their bid of 2♦),

2) bid 2♥ directly with 3 cards and weaker

3) bid 2NT with a 3 cards and 11 points or more

4) bid 3 of their suit with 9+ and 4 card support

5) bid 3♥ directly with 4 cards if you are weaker.

You could reverse the meanings of 2NT and the cue bid, and many people do not wish to play transfers up to 2 of the major.