Such a conference could also be authorized in some components of the world (Europe is extra permissive than ACBL). However, I’ve by no means heard it performed right here in Finland (and we’re fairly permissive with conventions until enjoying in an occasion meant to onboard newbies). I haven’t got the mileage to say for positive, however my guess is that almost all gamers are too partnership oriented to attempt one thing like this.
My repertory vs sturdy clubbers consists of the same old overcalls, the pre-empts, after which chosen 2-suited poisons. The purpose is {that a} random 1S will not do a lot towards skilled opponents. The positive factors from interference come when you possibly can actually jam their public sale. To try this it’s essential to discover your individual matches — you need companion to boost considerably safely. I assume you would squeeze one such bid right into a defensive system, however as (essentially) it is going to be a low degree name, it will not do a lot injury alone. I wish to improve the probabilities of companion to proceed the interference as a substitute.
Evaluate the sequences:
- (1C sturdy)-1S (random)- D (power, however no 5 card go well with)-? What can companion do safely right here? Nothing a lot. Have the opponents been disturbed? Not a lot, they will begin looking for their matches on the two degree, and their mixed power makes it secure.
- (1C sturdy)-2H (hearts and a minor)- D (power, both precisely 4 spades or extra power)- 4H! What can the opening aspect do right here? The sturdy clubber must take a view on slam hunt straight away. 4S is an possibility, however does not actually invite companion to proceed. When their further power is break up between the 2 arms, the opps have a troublesome choice.
Even a extra modest interference like 1C (=sturdy)-1D (=pure)-D (=GF power, 4+3+ in majors or another that means), 3D inconveniences the opps. Is 3NT nonetheless okay? The best way to agree on a go well with in a forcing method? True, they now have Double and the cuebid of 4D of their arsenal, however they’ve been robbed fairly a little bit of the area to research.
So the draw back of a random overcall like that is that companion is left equally in the dead of night. This can be why partnership oriented gamers dislike it.
There’s additionally the next rule/ethics difficulty. Except you bid 1S over an opposing sturdy 1C each time once you can not take another, systemically described motion, your companion will steadily study your motives and tendencies. When such partnership historical past builds up, the that means of the 1S bid will not be random, and must be disclosed to the opponents (even when undiscussed). It is a gray space, and provides the TD a headache. I am no bridge lawyer, however I might say, by widespread sense greater than anything, that a longtime partnership can not credibly declare to have “no settlement”.
I wish to add yet one more factor (recalling an event when partnering a good friend and an skilled participant for the primary time). Many gamers extra skilled than yours really do imagine in interfering with opponents sturdy membership. So that they overcall extra frivolously, and to them a 1S overcall of 1C needn’t promise a lot power in any respect. IIRC this good friend had KJxxx spades and out. On that event I did not get the joke, and we scored poorly on the deal, however I do see the deserves. 1S robs the one degree. Ought to I’ve had a spade match I might have been capable of proceed the interference. Nevertheless, as seen on the event. The constructive bidding for our aspect can be severely broken. Additionally, if partnership historical past tells that the power vary of such an overcall is from 3 to fifteen factors reasonably than the “pure” 8 to 17 or what not, that ought to be disclosed to the opponents.
An alert companion of such an overcaller can generally inform that companion is at it. Say, if the opener guarantees 16+ HCP with their 1C, companion bids 1S, your RHO makes a name promising, say 10 factors. Then wanting on the vulnerabilities and the 12 HCP in your hand, common bridge information lets you draw the conclusion that companion could also be reasonably gentle 🙂
