(Bidding Over Interference, continued from page 251)

suit. When our first bid as responder is a redouble, it shows a good hand (at least a good 10 points; with support at least 13 points).

After a jump overcall by RHO: (For example, 1ª- 3§ - you)

After a preemptive overcall, we do not have as much room to maneuver. We can no longer raise to the 2-level. Still, we should stretch a little to show support; and partner should allow for this. A simple raise (1ª- 3§ - 3ª) should show about 8-10; we can even shade this a point or so with extra trump length. A jump raise to 4 (1ª - 3§ - 4ª) shows 11 or more, and may include a lot of distribution. With a very good hand, say 15-16 points or more, we can cuebid (1ª - 3§ - 4§); this lets partner know we have a very good hand and are thinking about slam if he has better than a minimum opening bid.

After a double jump overcall by RHO: (For example, 1© - 3ª - you)

We should still stretch to bid if we have a good fit - we can raise (1© - 3ª - 4©) with about 10 points, and may shade this a bit with distribution.

II. NOTRUMP BIDS

Notrump responses after an overcall show about the same high-card strength as without the overcall, but also promise stoppers in the opponent's suit. A 1NT bid, if available, shows about a good 7 to 10 points. (With a bare minimum response, it is best to pass; with a good hand partner can bid again). A 2NT bid shows about 11-12 and a 3NT bid promises 13 or more.

After a double by RHO, a redouble by responder shows at least a good 10 points. With a good hand and no particular fit, it is often best to try to penalize the opponents. Rather than bidding 2NT or 3NT natural, start with a redouble and see if you or partner can double the opponents in whatever suit they run to. So a 2NT or 3NT response after a double should be based on a source of tricks in a good suit, usually a  minor suit.
After 1ª by partner and a double by RHO:
ª - 74     © - QJ76     ¨ - AQ9     § - KT94
Rather than bidding 2NT, start with a redouble. Unless partner has a lot of distribution, we will probably get a better score by doubling and defending.

ª - 74     © - K6     ¨ - AKJ97     § - T974
We may not be comfortable if partner doubles the opponents in 2©, so we might as well bid 2NT.

****Another use for the 2NT bid, the Jordan Convention, is described at the end of this article.

III. NEW SUIT BIDS

After an overcall by RHO:
A new suit bid at the 1 level, if available, shows at least a good 6 points, and at least 4 cards in the suit bid. (With a bare minimum response, it is best to pass; with a good hand partner can bid again). A new suit bid at the 2-level shows at least a good 10 or more points, and usually at least 5 cards in the suit bid. It is permissible to bid a 4-card minor suit on occasion - especially with a game-going hand; a major suit at the 2-level or higher promises at least a 5-card suit. A new suit at the 3-level always promises a 5-card suit.

A new suit bid by responder is forcing. When bidding a new suit at the 2-level, take care to note at what level partner can rebid. If partner can rebid 2 of his suit, it is permissible to make a new suit bid with 10 points. If partner will be unable to rebid 2 of his suit, it is best to have close to an opening hand.

Consider these two hands:
ª - 84     © - AQJ74     ¨ - 732     § - K64
If partner opens 1ª and RHO overcalls 2¨, a 2© bid is best. With no fit for Hearts, partner can always go back to 2ª.

But: ª - AQJ74     © - 84     ¨ - 732     § - K64
If partner opens 1© and RHO overcalls 2¨, a 2ª bid can get us too high. Best to start with a Negative double.

After a new suit bid, Opener rebids naturally, the same as he would have without the overcall. If overcaller's partner acts, Opener should stretch a bit to show a fit, and can pass with a balanced minimum.

If RHO makes a takeout double:

A new suit at the 1-level shows at least a good 7 points, and at least a good 4-card suit. (Remember that the takeout doubler implies a good holding in this suit.) It is best to treat 1-level bids as forcing. Years ago, it was thought best to redouble with all hands with a good 10 or more points; but this can lead to problems: ª - 84     © - AQJ74     ¨ - KJ6     § - A54

If partner opens 1¨ and RHO doubles, we may not be able to conveniently show our Hearts if we start with a redouble. What if LHO jumps in Spades and partner doubles? Do we pass and find we would have done better in our Heart suit or bid hearts and find partner

(Continued on page 253)