Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bid in contract bridge that is higher than an opponent's bid, particularly when one's own partner has not yet made a bid and the value of the bid exceeds the estimated strength of one's hand.

Usage

• The term "overcall" is used specifically in the card game of contract bridge. It describes a competitive bidding action.
• It is a strategic, and often risky, move made to interfere with the opponents' bidding communication or to compete for the contract.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her overcall of two spades effectively shut out the opponents from finding their heart fit.
  • Making a weak overcall with a five-card suit is a common tactic.
  • The overcall was risky, as his hand had very few high-card points.

Advanced Usage

• "To make an overcall": This is the standard phrase for the action of overcalling.
  • With a good six-card diamond suit, he decided to make an overcall.
• "Jump overcall": An overcall that is made at a level two or more steps higher than necessary, typically showing a very strong hand.
  • Her jump overcall to three hearts showed a solid suit and significant playing strength.

Variants and Related Words

• Overcaller (n): The player who makes an overcall.
  • The overcaller hoped his partner held some useful cards.
• Overcalling (v, gerund/noun): The act of making an overcall.
  • Aggressive overcalling can put pressure on the opponents.

Synonyms

• Competitive bid: A general term for any bid made to compete with the opponents' bidding.
• Interference bid: A bid aimed primarily at disrupting the opponents' auction.

Related Phrases

• "Protective overcall": An overcall made in the "pass-out" seat (after two opponents have bid and one has passed), which is often made with slightly weaker values because partner's initial pass suggests some defensive strength.
  • In the protective seat, he made a protective overcall of one spade.
• "To overcall in a suit" / "To overcall with no-trump": Specifies the strain of the overcall.
  • She chose to overcall in a suit rather than double for takeout.

Noun

1. (bridge) a bid that is higher than your opponent's bid (especially when your partner has not bid at all and your bid exceeds the value of your hand)