So far, we've focused on auctions where your side opens the bidding. But what happens when an opponent bids first? This is called competitive bidding, and it's where much of the game is won or lost. In this deck, you'll learn the essential tools to compete effectively.

The simplest way to enter the auction is with an overcall. This is a bid in a new suit made after an opponent has already opened the bidding. For example, if your right-hand opponent opens 'one club', and you bid 'one spade', you have made an overcall.

To make a simple overcall, you need two things: a good suit and some points. The suit should almost always be at least five cards long, and it should be of good quality, meaning it has some high cards within it. Your point count should typically be between 8 and 16 high card points.