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When the opponent overcalls 1, switch the two
unbid suits. In this case, for example, 2 shows
hearts and 2 shows diamonds, with the normal
2 over 1 requirements.

By putting the overcaller on opening lead, you
may gain an advantage. In today's hand, 4 by
West is defeated after North leads a spade (three
rounds of spades and the ace of diamonds). But
with South on opening lead, East can make 4.
After a trump lead, for example, East has time
to knock out the ace of diamonds, take a spade
discard on the queen of diamonds, and then lose
two spade tricks, eventually ruffing a spade. Or
he can set up his fifth club with two ruffs in the
West hand.

Switch can be extended to other sequences as
well. Can you think of any? How about this one:
1-2 overcall-? Switch 2 and 2.

The extent of your switch sequences depends
solely on each partnership. We'll look at some
more of these in this column in the future.

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