An overcall should be obstructive; less importantly, it might contain a lead-directional element.

DEAR MR. RIGAL: What would you bid with ; A-K-Q-J-10-4, k 3, l Q-J, ' K-10-6-3, no one vulnerable, after your left-hand opponent's one-heart opening is raised to two on your right? Fredericksburg, Va.

DEAR MR. RIGAL: I understand that bidding an opponent's suit is a cue bid, implying a strong hand. Recently, I had 14 points and a strong five-card club suit, and my right-hand opponent opened one ...

DEAR READER: Partner's three hearts showed a solid minor suit, in principle with stoppers in the suits other than hearts, or else his bid would have been unsound. Looking at your hand, partner is ...