Competing Over the Opponents' Weak Two at Pairs
At pairs, don't let a weak two buy the contract cheaply. Overcall or double with sound values directly, and balance more freely in fourth seat.
A weak two takes away your bidding space. At pairs, letting the opponents play 2♠ when you could make a part-score or game costs a lot of matchpoints. But overcalling at the two or three level with poor hands can cost even more.
Direct seat (right after the weak two)
You are sitting over the opener, and partner hasn't bid yet.
Overcall with a good five-card or six-card suit and roughly opening values.
Double for take-out with opening values, shortage in their suit and support for the unbid suits.
Bid 2NT with a balanced 16-18 or so and a stopper in their suit.
Fourth seat (balancing)
The auction goes 2♠ – Pass – Pass to you. Partner may have values but couldn't act. Balance more freely: double with shortage in spades and around 10 points or more, and overcall with a decent suit.
When to pass
Length and strength in their suit: you may do better defending.
Weak suit, few points: at the three level, a poor overcall can be doubled.
Agree with partner
Agree whether your double is for take-out (usual) and how to respond, for example whether 2NT by partner over a double is Lebensohl. Write it on your card.
Key takeaways
At pairs, don't let weak twos steal part-scores.
Act directly with sound values.
Balance more freely when the weak two is passed round to you.