[ralph23]

1. One ♠ on hand 1. While the so-called "big hand" double (BHD) is very useful, it has a downside or two: (1) it leaves your partner in doubt as to what you have and he won't suspect you have the BHD hand, and is always surprised when you do, so it takes more time to convey your hand to him; and (2) it doesn't take up any room in competitive auctions, and the opps may get crazy on you before you get your second chance to call. We play normal 1-level overcalls up to 17 HCP. I believe Bergen recommends up to 18, but not sure, I may be imagining this. You can probably check it out on his website.

2. Same reasoning on hand 2. You are strong enough to bid 3♥ so bid it. It is not GF, even in 2/1 GF methods. Speak your peace as quicky as possible when it is competitive. Try to get your message over to P as quickly and efficiently as you can so that he is well placed to compete.

[jillybean]

Robert, on Jul 28 2007, 02:01 PM, said:

A lot of posts on the net do not offer good advice IMO.

And it is not always easy to sort out the good from the bad, some are adamant that their way is the only correct way.
I have a few favorite forum members whose advice I take seriously, maybe I can solicit a couple of email address to simplify the process.

[han]

Neilkaz, I gave you our follow-ups in the other thread.

I'm not at all worried that partner raises to 2H and it goes for a large number. Sure, it may happen, lots of bad things can happen. Lots of good things can happen too. They may not be able to get double us in our fit. They may have a harder time getting to the right contract. etc. etc.

I am worried though when I double with a singleton in an unbid major. I go out of my way not to do that and I would overcall 1S with stronger hands than this one. Again, bad things might happen but usually they don't. It is important to agree on a style and stick to it.

[neilkaz]

Hannie, on Jul 28 2007, 05:24 PM, said:

Neilkaz, I gave you our follow-ups in the other thread.

I'm not at all worried that partner raises to 2H and it goes for a large number. Sure, it may happen, lots of bad things can happen. Lots of good things can happen too. They may not be able to get double us in our fit. They may have a harder time getting to the right contract. etc. etc.

I am worried though when I double with a singleton in an unbid major. I go out of my way not to do that and I would overcall 1S with stronger hands than this one. Again, bad things might happen but usually they don't. It is important to agree on a style and stick to it.

A very nice and detailed reply it is, also ! Thx .. neilkaz ..

[neilkaz]

jillybean2, on Jul 28 2007, 05:02 PM, said:

Robert, on Jul 28 2007, 02:01 PM, said:

A lot of posts on the net do not offer good advice IMO.

And it is not always easy to sort out the good from the bad, some are adamant that their way is the only correct way.
I have a few favorite forum members whose advice I take seriously, maybe I can solicit a couple of email address to simplify the process.

The good thing about this forum is that you get to see the advice of lots of players and then in these cases you can see where almost everyone agreed. ie Hand 2 where 3♥ is clear to most.

Now in hand 1, there's not agreement, but the majority seems to prefer a direct 1♠ to the BHD idea. I am more old fashioned and slightly prefer the BHD here with ♠, intending just to correct 4♥ to 4♠ etc, but, I certainly wouldn't criticise anyone who overcalled 1♠. It seems that the modern concept is to be able to overcall with hands somewhat stronger than 16 HCP, as long as they aren't monsters that miss lots of games when passed out.

As long as you and your PD's give a single raise with any 3 card support that would raise an opener, you won't miss too many games overcalling on 17 HCP or even a non descript 18, IMHO. Once in a while, however, PD will pass with 2 card support and a scattered 6 count or fear to bid NT with 7 or even 8 HCP (perhaps no stopper) and you may miss a game, but the opps often balance and give you more chances to find game.

I suspect I'll raise my simple overcall range to 17+ HCP from 17- (noting I consider you hand 17+ inspite of the jacks since you have a superb carder)

It is important to discuss overcalls with your regular PDs and the things you don't want are PD passing all the way thru with three trumps and 7 or 8 HCP, nor do you want then blasting to 3NT with a scattered 13 count when you may have overcalled on AQxxx,xx,Qxx,xxx

[vuroth]

Count me for double than 2 spades on 1. I do see merit in discussing what double/3s and double/4s mean, though.

The advised overcall range is getting pretty crazy in my book. I always had an awful time dealing with overcalls, because partner could be very light. If I struggled with 8-16, then yeah, 5-18+ is going to be a nightmare to respond to.

I also don't see the relevance of the single heart do the double/2s approach. I'm not about to leave partner hanging - any suit preference after my double, even if opponents interfere, should make my hand pretty clear.

V

[cherdano]

I would overcall 1S with hand one, but that is obviously a style issue. On hand 2, 3H is clear, though - just in my opinion of course.