The Advancer serves as the team’s Captain and has two objectives, specifically:
- Make bidding difficult for the opponents
- Support the Overcaller.
The Advancer needs to guard against irrational exuberance. Compete to no more than a part-score with a balanced hand having less than 12 total points. The Advancer may consider competing to game only with a stronger hand or if the Overcaller bids again. Shoot Advancers who bid to slam. It’s just better for everyone.
Having seen 1st-round bids from the Opener, Overcaller, and Responder, the Advancer knows more about everyone’s card holding than any other player. This positions the Advancer to use imagination better than the other three players. Failing to use imagination in this advantageous position is grounds for divorce.
A chemistry of three factors dictate the Advancer’s bid, including:
- The Overcaller’s bid
- The Responder’s bid
- The Advancer’s hand (strength and shape).
If Overcaller bids:
