Bidding Conventions >

Weak Jump Overcalls


Weak Jump Overcalls are preemptive jump overcalls intended to obstruct the opponents' bidding. A weak jump overcall typically promises:

  • a 6-card suit at the 2-level (identical to a Weak Two opening bid)
  • a 7-card suit at the 3-level

These guidelines are subject to partnership agreement and vulnerability. Aggressive pairs may preempt with shorter suits, especially when not vulnerable.

A weak jump overcall shows 5-10 high card points, although vulnerability too is a consideration. For instance, it may be advisable to pass rather than preempt at unfavorable vulnerability with only 5 points.


Examples of Weak Jump Overcalls

AKT982
H5
DT92
CJ32
   

West    
Pass
North    
Pass
East    
1
South    
2 1

1 A weak jump overcall, showing 5-10 points and a 6-card spade suit.


5
HKJT9732
DA2
CJ32
   

West    
1
North    
Pass
East    
1
South    
3 1

1 Showing 5-10 points and a 7-card heart suit.


Responses to a Weak Jump Overcall

  • A simple raise shows 3 or 4-card support and approximately 6-13 points (insufficient values for a game contract). It is preemptive and completely non-forcing.

  • A jump raise usually shows a weak, preemptive hand (with at least 4-card support). It is also common to make a 4/ jump raise with 5-card support regardless of strength. However, a major suit jump raise may also be made by a strong hand that believes the game contract will succeed.

  • A new suit is natural and non-forcing, typically showing a 6-card suit and denying support for partner's suit.

  • 2NT is dependent on partnership agreement. It can be played as natural and invitational to 3NT, or it can be played as an artificial force, showing any type of good hand. Overcaller can bid a side suit feature (i.e. an ace or king), or simply rebid his suit at the cheapest level.

  • A cuebid of an opposing suit is usually played as a forcing raise with interest in game. With a minimum hand, overcaller can rebid his suit at the cheapest level. With a strong hand, overcaller can bid game or a side suit ace or king.


Example Auctions

AJ3
H52
DT942
CK542
   

West    
1
North    
2 1
East    
Pass
South    
3 1

1 Weak.
2 An obstructive 3-card raise. Non-forcing.


92
HJT532
DT9
CAQT2
   

West    
1
North    
2 1
East    
Pass
South    
4 2

1 Weak.
2 A 5-card raise. Maybe it's a good sacrifice. Maybe partner might even make it.


AKJ932
HAT3
DT92
C2
   

West    
1
North    
3 1
East    
Pass
South    
3 2

1 Weak.
2 Natural and non-forcing. Strongly implies a lack of club support.


AKJ2
HKQJ5
D6
CK743
   

West    
1
North    
2 1
East    
Pass
South    
4 2

1 Weak.
2 A strong raise to game.


Other Considerations

  • The weak jump overcall has widely replaced the traditional "strong" jump overcall. To show a strong one-suited hand, modern practice is to start with a takeout double and follow up by bidding the strong suit.

  • The higher you preempt (both in terms of suit rank and bidding level), the more likely it is that you will play the contract, perhaps doubled. A 3 jump overcall, for example, robs the opponents of much more bidding space than a 3 jump overcall.