Bidding One No Trump as an overcaller

If you were planning to open 1NT (to show 12-14 points and a balanced hand), do not bid 1NT as an overcall after an opponent opens. You may find yourself sandwiched between two strong hands and things can go very very badly. Instead pass. Bidding 1NT as an overcall shows at least a good 15-count.

Exercise:  Each of these hands would open 1NT. What should they do after right-hand opponent opens 1♦

Answer: Pass with (i), bid 1♥ with (ii) and pass with (iii). Note that an overcall at the two-level – that’s an eight-trick bid – requires a better suit than (iii)’s clubs.