ACBL05B – 2 Clubs: Trumbull Convention Ward Trumbull
vs Opponent Overcalls Jul 14, 2008
Page 1 of 2
ACBL05A defines the Trumbull 2 Clubs Convention.
or
When an Opponent Overcalls
The responder is all set to make the mandatory waiting 2 diamonds response, but the right hand opponent (RHO) makes an intervening overcall bid. The responder has 3 options:
Overcall Bid Meaning
------------ ---------- --------------------------------------------------
2 of a suit pass I’m waiting.
2 of a suit double I have 1 stopper in the overcalled suit. That
would be an ace or king stopper only.
2/3 of a suit 2/3 notrump I have 2 stoppers in the overcall suit. That
would be such as A K, A Q x, K Q x or K J x.
2 notrump double The 2 notrump is probably an unusual notrump
(unusual) for the minors. The double indicates 4+/4+ in
the majors. This won’t come up often.
For the suit overcalls, think of this as a “Trumbull Negative Double”.
That is, double with one stopper and bid 2 notrump with two.
ACBL05B – 2 Clubs: Trumbull Convention Jul 14, 2008
vs Opponent Overcalls Page 2 of 2
Example
The responder’s hand is:
Spades 9 6 4 2
Hearts K 5 3 2
Diamonds K J 7
Clubs 10 8
Partner’s RHO’s Responder’s
Bid Overcall Bid Meaning
------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------------------------
2 clubs 2 diamonds 2 notrump 2 diamond stoppers
2 hearts double 1 heart stopper
2 spades pass waiting
2 notrump double 4+/4+ in the majors
3 clubs pass waiting
3 diamonds 3 notrump 2 diamond stoppers
3 hearts double 1 heart stopper
3 spades pass waiting
Final Note
The responder should not treat Q J x x as a double stopper in the overcall suit. The opening partner will tend to think he/she has an ace or king in that suit.