Alerting jump overcalls
I have just been looking through the blue book, and can't seem to see anything on whether to alert any jump overcalls. I am asking specifically for BBO with self-alerting (where I think they should always be alerted), but also interested on the rules for other platforms, including F2F. Can anyone point me to the correct place, or otherwise enlighten me? Thanks
Comments
No, natural jump overcalls have never been alertable.
Face-to-face, you generally alert only two-suited overcalls (or other sorts of really weird overcalls like transfer overcalls); all the "normal" sorts of natural overcall (weak, intermediate, strong) aren't alertable.
The opponents will nearly always need to know, though (jump overcalls are one of the things I consistently ask about, with the consistency being required in order to avoid giving UI), so I think it makes sense to self-alert them when on BBO. I don't think there's actually a requirement to do so, but there's no good reason not to.
I have to disagree - I don't think I ever ask or feel the need to know, except perhaps before the play or much later in the auction.
We had a hand last evening where a direct 3C overcall of 1S was made. Responder bid 4S where it was played. The overcalling hand held a flat 12 count with 5 clubs. Not what was expected and would have been useful information to responder before they bid but they didn't know to ask the question.
They assumed it was a weak jump overcall with 7 clubs and, holding 3 low clubs with a marginal decision, would have bid 3S where it would have been played.
Much like Gordon, I do find by far the main determining factor when it comes to jump overcalls is which suit or suits it shows. Even weak overcalls tend to be very wide ranging depending on position and vulnerability.
With most players I'd expect a 3 level overcall to have a few values. I wouldn't assume 7 cards but 5 card suits aren't standard. Green versus Red nothing would surprise me much.