The Retropoet

Picture Bidding

Direct Overcall = 8-14 HCP, at most two in opener's suit, and at least 3 card support for the other three suits. May, occasionally, be made with more than 14 HCP.
Convention = cuebid is gametry.
Balancing Overcall = 10-16 HCP, at most two in opener's suit, and at least 3 card support for the other three suits.
Jump to 2NT = Strong two-suiter (see below)
- If opening bid = 1C, then one of overcallers suits is hearts
- If opening bid = 1D, then one of overcallers suits is spades
- If opening bid = 1H, then one of overcallers suits is clubs
- If opening bid = 1S, then one of overcallers suits is diamonds

VS 14-16, 15-17, or 16-18 Notrumps, AND in direct seat only:
- 2C = Clubs and a higher ranking suit (advancer expects 5 clubs and at least 4 in the higher suit)
- 2D = Diamonds and a higher ranking suit (advancer expects 5 diamonds and at least 4 in the major)
- 2H = both majors (advancer expects at least 4 in each major)
- 2S = weak hand with 6 spades
- Double = A one-suited hand
VS other notrumps, AND in balancing seat:
- Suit bids are natural, and to play
- Direct Double is balanced, with at least as much as opener's maximum.
- Balancing Double is balanced 11+ HCP, 4-3 in the majors or better.
Other Calls include a 2NT game try when partner has overcalled.

Picture Bidding, Notrump Overcalls and Defense Against Notrump / Retropoet / Geocities / retropoet@oocities.com / revised April 1998