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Natural (1y)

(1y)(Quasi-)NAT, x < y < z
X!T/O, 7.5− NLTC
1z8.5–6.0 NLTC, usually 5+#
1NT15–18 HCP, usually (BAL 6.5–6.0 NLTC and likely stop)
2x7.5–6.0 NLTC, 5+#
2zPRE, 9.5–8.0 NLTC, usually 6+#
2NT!UNT, 5+ 5+ in the lowest two unbid suits
3xzPRE, 8.5–8.0 NLTC, usually 7+#
3y!Gambling: SOL 7+ suit without stopper or STR 7+ suit
3NT!Gambling, SOL 7+ suit with stopper
(1M)NAT, 4+#
2M!Michaels, 5+OM, 5+♦♣
(1m)NAT, 1+#
2m!Michaels, 5+♠, 5+♥

Minor suit cuebid

Michaels is the de facto standard two-suited overcall, and we use it against every natural opening, even a minor suit that may be as short as one card. Showing both majors keeps the auction low and secures our heart fit.

Note that natural openings are protected from brown stickers. Only over an artificial opening can we cue with 5-5 including opponents’ nominal suit.

(1m)OvercallMeaning
NAT, 1+#Michaels 2m5+♠, 5+♥
ART, 0+#Wilkosz 2♦5+♠♥, 5+ another suit

P P P (1y)

By passed hand, overcalls that require opening strength (7.5− NLTC) become one trick weaker. 1NT becomes minor suit oriented takeout.

P P P (1y)(Quasi-)NAT, x < y
XT/O, 8.5− NLTC
1NT!T/O, 8.5− NLTC, 4+ 4+ in the lowest two unbid suits
2x8.5− NLTC, 5+#

(1y) -

Balancing overcalls tend to be intermediate. Jump overcalls are sound because there is no one to preempt. On the other hand, constructive overcalls are light because partner may have passed a weak notrump.

An unpassed 2NT is no longer unusual because we’ve got more steps on the notrump ladder.

  • 13–15 HCP: 1NT
  • 16–18 HCP: X, then notrump
  • 19–21 HCP: 2NT
(1y) - -x < y < z
XT/O, 8+ HCP
1z8–15 HCP, 4+#
1NT13–15 HCP with stopper
2x8–15 HCP, 5+#
2z, 3x11–15 HCP, 6+#
2NT19–21 HCP with stopper