Overcalls

I used to think you had to have an opening hand of 12 or more points to initiate a bid for your partnership. But recently I learned that's not true at all. Once the opposing team has bid, you can initiate a bid with far fewer points -- as few as 8.

Here's how it works.

1) The other team has opened.
2) You have at least 8 HCP, 5 of a suit, and 2 of the top 4 honors in that suit.
3) Bid your suit

"Overcall with a good suit. Double with a good hand."