[Antrax]

---

RHO deals and opens 1♣. Is it better to double or to overcall 1♠?
What factors into the decision?

Thanks.

[bluecalm]

Always overcall with 5 ♠ and 4♥ as you can often bid hearts cheaply later but after doubling you lose your chances for 5-3 spade fit forever.
With 5♥ - 4♠ the situation is more tricky and some people like doubling with that more often, imo they are wrong (but not by much) and you will not do too badly if you always choose to overcall your 5 card major maybe with exceptions of hands like AKQx 76532 Axx x when it should be right to double.

[ggwhiz]

On many hands it's just a matter of personal preference but this one is clearcut for 1♠ in case partner has something like 3-3-2-5 or 3-3-3-4. Save them from an ugly choice. They will go wrong if they have 3 spades and 4 or 5 diamonds too.

You will always get a chance to bid again, either 2♥ or double to bring ♦ into play too while offering partner a safish retreat in a pinch.

Reverse the majors and I still strain to overcall instead of double (and follow with a double next round if I can) but that's just the personal preference part.

[Hanoi5]

With a 5 card Major it is better to overcall than to double.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

the mainstream action is now to overcall intending
to make a T/O the next round.

With kind regards
Marlowe