Overcalls
An overcall is a bid made after the opponents have opened the bidding: it tells partner “I have this specific suit.”
When it is used
An overcall needs five or more cards in the suit, with at least two honours (A, K, Q, J). Bid your suit at the lowest level available. At the one level that is 8 to 16 points with a good five-card suit; the two level needs more, both in strength and in suit quality.
Overcall or double? With a good five-card suit, overcall: you have something specific to say. With shortage in their suit and support for the other three, double and let partner pick.
In each system
- ACOL
- At the two level: 10 to 16 points, with six cards or a very strong five.
- Strong No‑Trump and 5‑card majors
- At the two level: 12 to 15 points, with six cards or a very strong five.
An example
An opponent opens 1♣. You hold this hand.
- ♠ K Q 10 8 4
- ♥ A 5
- ♦ K 9 6
- ♣ J 8 4
Bid 1♠: 13 points with a five-card spade suit headed by the king and queen. A textbook one-level overcall, describing the suit and the strength.
Where we teach it
Taught in the Beginner course, in the Intervening Bids topic, in both systems, ACOL and 5‑card majors. Improver returns to overcalls in Competing for the Contract.
Learn it properly
Bridge Unlocked teaches the game step by step, with real hands to play. Bridge Basics is free.