Opening Preempts & Preemptive Overcalls


The “classic” preempt:


Factors that affect your preempting decision

Vulnerability: Use the Rule of 2 & 3 for Weak 2-bids. The Rule of 4 can be used for non-vulnerable 3-bids. This is summarized in the chart below.

    To use the chart: Count your hand's playing tricks, then subtract that number from the trick level you are considering for your bid. 

    Example:  ♠QJ10765  62  A54  ♣43 can be counted as 5 playing tricks and 8 losers. It meets the "Rule of 3" for opening a weak two-bid (8-trick level minus 5 playing tricks = 3).

Your Side

Their Side

Conditions
for preempting:

 When deciding on   
your bid, use:  

Not Vulnerable    

Vulnerable

Excellent  (Favorable)  

 Rule of 3 (or 4)

Not Vulnerable

Not Vulnerable   

Good              (Equal)

 Rule of 3  

Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Fair                (Equal)

 Rule of 2 (or 3) 

Vulnerable

Not Vulnerable

Poor     (Unfavorable)

 Rule of 2  

Position:  3rd seat is the ideal preempting position. 1st seat is the second-best position.

Form of scoring:  In team play (IMP scoring), “beef up” your preempts. Follow the Rules of 2 & 3 more closely than you would in pair games (matchpoint scoring).

Overcalls vs. opening bids:  Jump overcalls are about the same strength as opening preempts, but you may choose to value “up” or “down” based on your holding in the opponent’s suit.


Notes:

Weak 2-bids tend to be constructive. You have a realistic hope of getting to a making contract.

3-bids are “pure” preempts. Their main purpose is to safely obstruct the opponents’ bidding.

4-bids & 5-bids may be “two-way” (preemptive, but with a greater expectation of making your bid).

For borderline decisions: Consider these other factors that may be liabilities for preempting: