Intermediate Jump Overcalls

Intermediate jump overcalls are more constructive than weak jump overcalls. A jump overcall at the 2-level shows a 6-card suit and 11-15 points. A jump overcall at the 3-level shows a 7-card suit and 11-15 points.

Many players consider intermediate jump overcalls to be more effective against good opponents, whereas weak jump overcalls may be more useful against bad ones. As a middle-of-the-road approach, expert Marshall Miles has noted in his book "Competitive Bidding in the 21st Century" that he prefers intermediate jump overcalls only when vulnerable. Thus, weak jump overcalls can still be played in the safer waters of white-on-white or white-on red vulnerability.

Examples of intermediate jump overcalls:

QJ T98 AKJ862 Q7

West Pass North Pass East 1 You ? Bid 2 with a 6-card suit and 13 HCP.

5 KQT543 AT9 A63

West 1 North Pass East 1 You ? Bid 2. It does not matter if one or both opponents have bid.

853 6 AK AQJ8752

West Pass North Pass East 1 You ? Bid 3 with a 7-card suit.

AQ8765 54 KQ7 K8

West 1 North Pass East Pass You ? Jump overcalls in the balancing seat need partnership discussion. Most players agree that they show a 6-card suit and a good hand. Bidding 2 seems pretty sensible here. However, exact point ranges vary by agreement.

KJ852 9 Q763 A54

West 1 North Dbl East 1 You ? Intermediate jump overcalls are off if partner has bid. Opposite a takeout double, bid 2 to show 4+ spades and 10+ points.

The responses to an intermediate jump overcall are as follows.

Response	Meaning
2NT	In response to a 2-level jump overcall, 2NT is artificial and forcing with 10+ points and game interest. (See below).
New suit	Natural, nonforcing. Usually denies 2+ card support.
Single raise	Preemptive. Partner is expected to pass.
Double raise	Natural, signoff. May be strong or preemptive.

The responses to the artificial 2NT query depend on a partnership's agreements. The Ogust set of conventional responses works well. If not playing Ogust, however, a three-level new suit can show a control (ace or king).

		North			South
		K84			Q2
		AQT942			K85
		A7			98432
		T8			K97
	West     1 All Pass	North     2(1)		East     Double	South     3 (2)

1. Intermediate jump overcall.
2. A non-forcing raise.

		North			South
		KQJ732			AT6
		53			KJ4
		AKJ3			762
		5			KJ72
	West     1 Pass All Pass	North     2(1) 3 (3)		East     Pass Pass	South     2NT (2) 4

1. Intermediate jump overcall.
2. Artificial inquiry.
3. Playing Ogust responses, this shows a maximum hand with 2 of the top 3 spade honors.