Unusual notrump overcall is a convention. This convention is alertable.
An unusual notrump overcall is a defensive convention to show a two-suited hand.
Convention[]
After RHO opens 1 of a suit, 2NT shows at least 5-5 in the lowest two unbid suits. The strength varies between partnership agreements. It works as below:
- after 1♣, 2NT shows ♦s and ♥s;
- after 1♦, 2NT shows ♣s and ♥s;
- after 1♥ or 1♠, 2NT shows the minors, ♣s and ♦s.
With a two-suited hand outside the agreed strength, make a simple overcall.
This bid is artificial and forcing.
This convention also works at higher levels. In general, a surprise NT overcall at a high level shows 5-5 in the lowest two unbid suits, if followed by correction, some other two-suiters.
South | West | North | East |
---|---|---|---|
1♥ | / | 4♥ | 4NT |
The 4NT overcall shows 5-5 in both minors and the willingness to compete at the 5-level. If it is corrected by 5♦ after a 5♣ response, it shows 5-5 in ♦s and ♠s.
Responses[]
Follow-up[]
Interference[]
When faced with a 2NT overcall promising two known suits, many pairs take advantage of the fact using one cuebid to show a forcing raise of the opener suit, and the other cuebid to show a forcing bid of the fourth suit. Bidding those suits directly instead are merely competitive calls.