Rubens Advances to Overcalls

Use Rubens advances after simple overcalls when playing standard competitive methods, but only after 2-level overcalls when playing the Overcall Structure.

When using the overcall structure, 2-level overcalls based solely on playing strength are possible.

Notrump bids retain their standard meaning.
(exception: if our suit is a major, a 2N bid shows limit-raise or better values and four or more trumps).
Suit bids below the cuebid of the original suit are natural and forcing for one round.
(by an unpassed hand; however even if advancer is a passed hand, overcaller should try to find a bid).
Suit bids starting from the cuebid up to the bid two below overcaller's suit are transfers.
Overcaller usually completes the transfer. If he doesn't, these are the meanings of his bids:
- A jump-complete is preemptive, showing a 4-card fit and a minimum.
- A cue-bid is artificial, showing a fit for advancer and extra values.
- A repeat of the original suit shows a misfit for advancer and an excellent original suit.
- A new suit bid shows a maximum overcall, at least 5-5 distribution and a probable misfit for advancer.
- A jump-repeat shows extra playing strength and a self-sustaining suit.
- 2N is natural, non-forcing but constructive.
- 3N is to play.
The bid just below overcaller's suit is a raise, showing the values for a limit raise or better.
If our suit is a major, this shows exactly 3 trumps.
Overcaller bids naturally, taking some positive action with extras.
A direct raise shows less than a limit raise.
A jump-raise is preemptive.
A jump-shift is a fit-bid in support of overcaller's suit.
A jump-cue-bid to the 3-level shows the values for a constructive raise and four or more trumps.
A jump-cue-bid to the 4-level shows shortness, support and a slam try.

When opener completes the transfer in 3., new bids are by advancer have their obvious meaning.
If advancer simply supports overcaller's suit after transfering, he shows reasonable values and two-card support.
If advancer now jump-supports opener, the suit transferred to may just have contained values and not necessarily great length (transferring to a 3-card suit is possible but weird).

If opponents raise after the overcall, Rubens advances are still on (double replaces the cue-bid). The same is true if opponents make a negative double.