overcall
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌkɔl/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌkɔl/
noun
Definition
A situation in a card game, especially bridge, where a player makes a bid that is higher than the previous bid, or an additional amount of money requested in a financial context.
Example
In bridge, an overcall can change the dynamics of the game significantly.
Conversation
Did you see that last hand in bridge?
Yes! I think it was a risky overcall on your part.
Maybe, but I thought it could pay off.
True, sometimes you have to take those chances.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overbid
excess
surplus
Antonyms
underbid
deficit
loss
transitive verb
Definition
To make a higher bid than someone else in a card game.
Example
In the last round, she decided to overcall her opponent's bid to increase her chances of winning.
Tense Forms
Past: overcalled
Past Participle: overcalled
Conversation
Did you see how I decided to overcall in that last hand?
Yeah, that was a bold move!
I thought it might pressure the others to fold.
Root Explanation
Overcall → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "call" (from Old English "ceallian", meaning to cry out or summon). The word "overcall" means to call excessively or to call more than necessary.
Memory Tip
Think of calling someone 'excessively' ('over-') — that's why overcall means to call too much.
Visually Confused Words
novercal
coveralls