The questions arise: why do we want to compete on these "bad" hands, and isn't that dangerous? We believe that competing at the one and the two level is superior to balancing at the three level which can be very dangerous as both opponents have already communicated their values. One note about our style before we go on: all of our bids are made according to relative vulnerability as it relates to sanity. We aren't insane; we just like to compete. This is what advancer (partner of overcaller) must keep in mind because 90% of the time it will be advancer's job to make the decision about how high to compete on the combined offensive values of the partnership. Advancer should definitely remember that many calls are limited in values, and more importantly do not promise defensive values!
In order to understand this competitive style properly, we encounter several theoretical considerations. The Law of Total Tricks best explains why and how to compete. On most hands we possess at least an eight card fit which usually will allow us to compete successfully at the two level; sometimes we will have two eight card fits which will allow us to compete at the three level. If we have a nine card fit, the three level should be safe, etc. The opponents of course attempt to do the same depending on how big their trump fits are, but there exists a limited number of tricks available because of a limited number of trumps and a limited number of values or working high cards. In essence, on every hand everyone aims to compete to the par spot.
But not everyone truly comprehends the idea of the par spot. People think of it as being a plus position. This is not always the case. Frequently, the par spot translates to outcompeting the opponents, and actually going minus; for example, we go to three spades over the opponents' three hearts, down one. The opponents can make three hearts. We win. Many times we only have a minus score available, and strive to reduce that minus. It certainly can be difficult to decide how much to bid at certain vulnerabilities in conjunction to reaching the par spot. But having this understanding of the par spot and competing on a greater number of hands, however, over time will lead to better hand evaluation, better judgment and better results.
How are we going to compete more effectively? Using these tools: Simple Overcalls, No Trump for Takeout, Power Double, Roman Jump Overcalls, the Two Suited Cue Bid, Intermediate Jump Overcalls, NAMYATS, and a few other gadget bids. Using this structure, it will become apparent that we have found the easiest way to enter effectively into the auction.
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