Question:
I have been playing a weak 1NT opening bid (10-13) for a number of years and I have noticed that the trend lately is to make second seat overcalls with very weak hands regardless of the vulnerability. When I check the convention card it may describe some kind of convention like Cappelletti or it may just say natural over weak but the point ranges (which are never listed) seem to be x = 11-22 HCP and 2 of a suit = 5-10 HCP. What do you think about this style of overcalling? If you don’t like it then, What system and point ranges do you like to play over a weak 1NT opener?
Answer:
In recent years, more and more partnerships are playing the weak NT. The reason for this is that it puts more pressure on the opponents to “make the right decision”. It is a preemptive strike but with a bit more strength than your normal weak two bid. Over the years, players have become very familiar with weak two bids and systems have been developed to handle them. The same is true with the weak NT. There are a great number of systems to deal with the weak NT and all have good points and bad points as with any system you play. The most important thing is that you and your partner are on the same wavelength ie: know what system you are playing.
I have played a number of systems over the years and the system I found the easiest to remember and play is:
Double shows 14+ HCP. This makes it easier for partner in his decision making.
2 Clubs shows spades and either hearts or clubs
2 Diamonds shows diamonds and a major
2 Hearts and 2 Spades are natural and may have a poor side suit.
2 NT shows the minors
Bids at the three level are Brozel and show a strong playing hand with a concentration of points and more distribution.
As for point count: with a double showing 14+ HCP, any overcall would then show less than 14 HCP. However, point count should be a lower determining factor when deciding whether to overcall or not. Too often I have heard an opponent say “But I had X number of points. I had to overcall”. First, consider the texture of the points.
Here is a hand that an opponent recently overcalled against our weak NT (11-13).
♠ KJ874 ♥ A2 ♦ A1054 ♣ Q6
The bid showed spades and a minor. His partner asked for the minor and they ended up in 3 Diamonds doubled. The result was not good for these opponents even with their combined 18 HCP. There was very little support for the high cards.
Second, next to texture, the length of the suit(s) is an important factor. The length of a suit will often make up for lack of high cards. Third, vulnerability is a factor. With unfavourable vulnerability, you must ensure that your overcall does not result in a penalty that is more than the opponent’s possible partscore or game. Even down one doubled and vulnerable can produce a near zero. With favourable vulnerability, you have a bit more flexibility. A penalty of less than game for the opponents will result in a good score. That is if the opponents can make game and can bid game. I don’t put a point amount on this. I look at the quality of the hand and suit(s) to determine if I am going to bid, again always being aware of the vulnerability.
Last, you should try to be as consistent as possible in your overcalls to make it easier for partner’s decision making. If on time you have very little point count and poor suits and the next time point-heavy and good suit quality, partner will be poorly placed trying to determine if he should bid or not.