What to Overcall?

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AKQJ73
♥985
♦7
♣T94

Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♦. What is your call?

Show Answer

I like 2♠.

This gets across that you have a SIX card suit but weak values.

You are vulnerable so Partner should expect a good suit so you are not too strong for this bid.

If you overcall 1♠ and then rebid your ♠ suit (because who wouldn't want to show six of that lovely suit!) then you tend to show some defence.

After all, with a six card suit and no defense you would have started with a 2♠ bid!