♣ ♦♥ ♠ Responses to an Overcall ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣
So, 1 (Double) 2NT would be bid with: K Q K Q 3 10 9 8 7 6 J 4 2. When using this method, a redouble of 1 or 1 surely denies 3-card support (else you'd respond 2NT). There are many other expert treatments available after a takeout double. Jordan is used by an UPH or a PH (passed hand). Larry's Audio Tour of the Convention Card.
Responding to an overcall is similar to responding to an opening bid. You count your points, and prioritize your bidding choices the same way as you do when responding to an opening bid.
In order of priority:
In order of priority:
- Pass with a bad hand.
- Raise partner's major suit, with support.
- Show your own major suit.
- Bid NT, with a stopper.
- Raise Partner's minor suit, with support.
- Show our own minor suit.
Before we get into the details of exactly how to follow those priorities, I'd like to clear up a vocabulary issue.
The partner of the Opener is called Responder.
The partner of the Overcaller is called Advancer. When Advancer bids, he 'advances the overcall,' even if he bids a new suit.
The partner of the Opener is called Responder.
The partner of the Overcaller is called Advancer. When Advancer bids, he 'advances the overcall,' even if he bids a new suit.
Responder 2♣ | |
Overcaller 1♥ | Advancer 2♥ |
Opener 1♣ |
Responder 1♥ | |
Advancer P | Overcaller 2 ♦ |
Opener 1♣ |
Partner overcalls 1♠, and you hold...
example 1
♠ Q 8 5 ♥ A J 8 ♦ 5 3 ♣ T 6 4 3 2 |
Good news! You've found a major suit fit.
You can raise partner's overcall on the same hands that would raise if he had opened the bidding.
Raise to the two level on 6-9 points with support. The example hand is a comfortable raise to 2♠.
You can raise partner's overcall on the same hands that would raise if he had opened the bidding.
Raise to the two level on 6-9 points with support. The example hand is a comfortable raise to 2♠.
example 2
♠ K 8 5 ♥ A J 8 ♦ 5 3 ♣ Q 6 4 3 2 |
What do you do when your hand is too strong for a single raise? Cue bid opener's suit. Cue bid = 10+ with support.
Partner will then tell you (with his bidding) how good his overcall is. He will repeat his suit with 8-11, and bid something else with a full opening hand of 12+ points.
Note: a cue bid is also used for stronger hands without support, similar to a Power Double.
Let's consider how example hand 2 should be bid facing various rebids by overcaller.
Partner will then tell you (with his bidding) how good his overcall is. He will repeat his suit with 8-11, and bid something else with a full opening hand of 12+ points.
Note: a cue bid is also used for stronger hands without support, similar to a Power Double.
Let's consider how example hand 2 should be bid facing various rebids by overcaller.
Opener | Partner | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | 2♦ |
P | 2♠ | P | ? |
Overcaller puts his hand into the 8-11 box by repeating his suit. You have only 11 in support of spades, so game is out of reach. PASS.
We've just seen why we don't jump to 3♠ with a 'limit raise.' Overcaller can have as little as 8 points, and 3♠ on his 8 facing your 10-11 is just plain too high.
We've just seen why we don't jump to 3♠ with a 'limit raise.' Overcaller can have as little as 8 points, and 3♠ on his 8 facing your 10-11 is just plain too high.
Reminder:
We bid only a partial when we have up to 23-24 points, but we go to game with 24-25.
Why do we bid game on as few as 24 points? Because Overcaller always has a good suit and working honors when he's minimum. (We don't overcall on cruddy 8 point hands.)
We bid only a partial when we have up to 23-24 points, but we go to game with 24-25.
Why do we bid game on as few as 24 points? Because Overcaller always has a good suit and working honors when he's minimum. (We don't overcall on cruddy 8 point hands.)
Opener | Partner | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | 2♦ |
P | 2♥ | P | ? |
This time Overcaller says he has a full opening bid. Now what?
Example hand 2 is in the bottom of the cue bid box – only 10-11 points. So just bid 2♠ to confirm your spade support and tell partner that you have nothing extra. Partner will then place the spade contract at the correct level, based on how many points he has.
Example hand 2 is in the bottom of the cue bid box – only 10-11 points. So just bid 2♠ to confirm your spade support and tell partner that you have nothing extra. Partner will then place the spade contract at the correct level, based on how many points he has.
Opener | Partner | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | 2♦ |
P | 2N | P | ? |
We're still looking at bidding sequences to follow example 2.
After your cue bid, partner's 2N says he has a full opening hand, with NT distribution and diamonds controlled. He also says he has a minimum, only 12-13 points. If he had more, he'd bid 3N instead of only 2N. You don't have enough strength to go on to game, but you show your spade fit with a 3♠ bid. Partner will pass because he's already said he doesn't have enough points for game.
After your cue bid, partner's 2N says he has a full opening hand, with NT distribution and diamonds controlled. He also says he has a minimum, only 12-13 points. If he had more, he'd bid 3N instead of only 2N. You don't have enough strength to go on to game, but you show your spade fit with a 3♠ bid. Partner will pass because he's already said he doesn't have enough points for game.
example 3
♠ Q T 5 2 ♥ K 4 ♦ A 9 7 6 ♣ K J 8 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | 2♦ |
P | 2♠ | P | ? |
What is your hand worth in support of partner's spades?
How many points does Overcaller have?
8-11 points
After a cue bid, Overcaller repeats his suit with 8-11 points and bids something else with 12+.
What will your next bid be?
No, don't pass.
If Overcaller is in the top half of his 8-11 box, you belong in game.
So invite game with a bid of 3♠.
Yes, perfect.
If Overcaller is in the top half of his 8-11 box, you belong in game.
So invite game with a bid of 3♠.
Ouch. No.
Partner could have as little as 8 points. Your 14 isn't enough to insist on game.
You should invite game with a bid of 3♠. Game will be a good bet only if partner is at the top end of his 8-11 box.
example 4
♠ A K J 7 3 ♥ Q T 4 ♦ 9 7 6 ♣ 9 8 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♥ | P | ? |
What is your hand worth in support of partner's hearts?
Should you bid spades?
No, don't bid spades.
You have already found a major suit fit. One fit is enough. Don't look for another one.
What will your next bid be?
Correct.
You have enough points to cue bid (10+ with support). Cue bid asks partner to tell you the strength of his overcall.
Yuck, no.
A 2♥ raise would show 6-9, and your hand is too good for that.
Yikes! No, no, no...
Partner could have as little as 8 points. After his overcall, we make a 'limit raise' by cue bidding. That gives us the chance to stop at the two level when partner has only 8-11.
example 5
♠ K Q 4 ♥ A J 8 6 ♦ 5 ♣ K T 8 7 3 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♥ | P | 2♦ |
P | 2♥ | P | ? |
You have a heart fit. What is your hand worth?
16 points
13 hcp +
2 for the singleton +
1 for the extra trump
How many points does Overcaller have?
Partner has 8-11.
That's the message he sends when he repeats his suit.
What will your next bid be?
Sorry, you missed this one.
Add your 16 to partner's 8-11 and you know the combined strength is 24-27 – way too much to pass.
Nope...
Combine your points with partner's and you'll find that the partnership total is 24-27.
That's too much to give partner a chance to pass short of game, so just bid the 4♥ game yourself.
Yes. Well done.
The partnership total is 24-27. That's enough to bid the game. You don't have to ask partner if he's at the top of his box. Even the bottom of his box is enough.
When partner overcalls, our first priority is to find a major suit fit. If partner has overcalled a major, raise to the appropriate level when you have support. Our second priority is to bid a major suit of our own. We could take the view that the combination of the two is really only one priority -- to look for a major suit fit.
What are the strength and suit requirements for showing your own suit? Simple, the same as making an overcall of your own, starting with 8hcp and a 5+ suit. You can stretch one level higher than you would for an overcall of your own because partner has already promised a hand worth bidding.
example 6
♠ J 6 ♥ K Q 7 5 3 ♦ T 7 6 ♣ K J 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | ? |
You cannot raise partner's spades, but you do have a good five card heart suit with 10hcp. Bid 2♥.
What do I mean by stretching one level higher? In this case, you are bidding at the two level, so you need the hcp requirements for a one level overcall. You do not, however, need the usual number of plus factors because partner already has them for her overcall.
What do I mean by stretching one level higher? In this case, you are bidding at the two level, so you need the hcp requirements for a one level overcall. You do not, however, need the usual number of plus factors because partner already has them for her overcall.
example 7
♠ A J T 8 6 ♥ T 7 5 3 ♦ Q 6 ♣ K 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♣ | 1♥ | P | ? |
What is your hand worth in support of partner's hearts?
11 points
10 hcp plus 1 for the extra trump.
Should you bid spades?
No, don't bid spades.
You have already found a major suit fit. One fit is enough. Don't look for another one.
What will your next bid be?
Correct.
You have enough points to cue bid (10+ with support). Cue bid asks partner to tell you the strength of his overcall.
Yuck, no.
A 2♥ raise would show 6-9, and your hand is too good for that.
Yikes! No, no, no...
Partner could have as little as 8 points. After his overcall, we make a 'limit raise' by cue bidding. That gives us the chance to stop at the two level when partner has only 8-11.
Overcaller repeats his suit after your cue bid. Now what?
Pass.
Overcaller can have as little as 8hcp, so 2♥ is high enough.
Bidding NT is our next priority, after searching for a major suit fit. When Overcaller promises 8+ points, Advancer can bid a NT game with 16, and invite game with 14-15.
example 8
♠ J 6 ♥ A J 8 ♦ A Q 9 ♣ K J 4 3 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | ? |
Partner overcalls 1♠. As soon as you saw the hand diagram you did count your points didn't you?
You don't have spade support, and you don't have hearts either, so the search for a major suit fit is over. If partner has extra length in spades, HE might not think the search for a major suit fit is over, but leave that up to him.
You have 16 points and diamonds double stopped, so you can jump to 3N. Partner's 8+ and your 16 is enough for game.
You don't have spade support, and you don't have hearts either, so the search for a major suit fit is over. If partner has extra length in spades, HE might not think the search for a major suit fit is over, but leave that up to him.
You have 16 points and diamonds double stopped, so you can jump to 3N. Partner's 8+ and your 16 is enough for game.
example 9
♠ 7 6 ♥ A J 8 ♦ A Q 9 ♣ K 8 4 3 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | ? |
This time you have 14 points, not enough to bid game on your own. Invite game with a bid of 2N. Partner will carry on to game when he has enough extra points.
example 10
♠ 7 6 ♥ Q J 8 ♦ A J T ♣ T 8 4 3 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♠ | P | ? |
Funny how these hands keep getting weaker. 8 points this time.
Bid 1N to let partner know that you have something, including a diamond stop, though not enough to take a stronger action. You have promised about 8-11 hcp.
Bid 1N to let partner know that you have something, including a diamond stop, though not enough to take a stronger action. You have promised about 8-11 hcp.
example 11
♠ K Q 7 6 ♥ J 2 ♦ A Q 2 ♣ T 8 6 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♦ | 1♥ | P | ? |
What is your hand worth?
12 points
You don't have heart support so you can't raise. You have a diamond stop, so you'd like to bid NT, but 12 hcp doesn't fit any of the NT bids we've talked about. You don't have a suit of your own to bid. But if you pass, your partnership might miss a game.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
When you have a full opening bid, 12+ points, you can cue bid to find out what kind of overcall partner holds.
Bid 2♦.
If partner rebids 2♥, showing 8-11 points, what will you rebid?
Yes, well done.
Partner shows 8-11 hcp, and you don't have enough to invite game facing a minimum overcall. The 5-2 heart fit isn't wonderful, but it's time to get stopped.
No! Ouch!
2N invites partner to carry on to game when he's at the top of his 8-11 box. If partner has only 8, you'll be overbid at 2N. And if partner is at the top of his 8-11 box, he'll carry on to 3N and you'll be overbid again.
The Bridge Bears are disappointed.
Partner could have as little as 8 points. If you raise without support on only 12 points, you will go set. And partner will start looking for a new partner who doesn't overbid.
Be careful about these hcp ranges, don't just memorize them, because they change. That's bad news, isn't it. But you see, they have to change because partner promises different hcp minimums when she makes different bids. For example, if her overcall is at the two level, she will have a 10 hcp minimum instead of only 8 for a one level overcall. Then you can jump to 3N with only 14 hcp instead of the the 16 you need when she promises an 8 point minimum.
The way to remember what you need for your bids is to think of partnership totals, not just what you have in your own hand. You can jump to 3N if the partnership total is 24+. You can invite with 2N when the partnership total is 22-23, and when the partnership minimum is less than 22, you'll have to content yourself with 1N, a cue bid (prepared to pass if partner shows a minimum), or simply passing when partner overcalls.
The way to remember what you need for your bids is to think of partnership totals, not just what you have in your own hand. You can jump to 3N if the partnership total is 24+. You can invite with 2N when the partnership total is 22-23, and when the partnership minimum is less than 22, you'll have to content yourself with 1N, a cue bid (prepared to pass if partner shows a minimum), or simply passing when partner overcalls.
Bidding minor suits is our lowest priority, after Majors and NT. If partner overcalls in a minor suit, you will bid a major if you have one. If not, you will bid NT when you can stop their suit. Failing both, raise partner's minor in preference to showing your own minor.
example 12
♠ 8 3 ♥ T 7 2 ♦ K T 2 ♣ K Q T 9 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♠ | 2♦ | P | ? |
What's your call?
You should bid 3♦, showing 6-9 points.
Raise partner's minor in preference to showing your own minor.
example 13
♠ 8 3 ♥ T 7 2 ♦ A Q 2 ♣ K Q T 9 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♠ | 2♦ | P | ? |
What's your call this time?
You should cue bid 2♠ (10+ with support, or 12+ without)
If partner holds 8-11 points, she will repeat her diamonds, and you will pass.
If partner has 12-13 points and a spade stop, she will bid 2N, and you will retreat to 3♦ showing a minimum cue bid with diamond support.
If partner holds 14+ with a spade stop, she will bid 3N, and you will pass.
example 14
♠ 8 3 ♥ K 7 2 ♦ Q 2 ♣ A Q T 9 5 2 |
Opener | Overcaller | Responder | You |
1♠ | 2♦ | P | ? |
Let's see, you can't bid NT; you can't raise diamonds; and your hand is not strong enough for a cue bid, so...
This is exactly the kind of hand where you will show your own minor suit.
Bid 3♣.
Partner will choose a bid (or pass) as if you were the overcaller and she is responding to your 3♣ overcall.
Responses to an Overcall -- Summary
Raising partner's suit
If partner's suit is a Major, this is your first priority.
6-9 points = single raise
10+ points = cue bid. Then add the points partner shows to your own when deciding how high to raise.
6-9 points = single raise
10+ points = cue bid. Then add the points partner shows to your own when deciding how high to raise.
Bidding NT requires a stopper in your opponents' suit
24+ total partnership points = 3N
22-23 total partnership points = invite game with 2N
20-21 total partnership points = cue bid
16-19 total partnership points = bid 1N (if available)
22-23 total partnership points = invite game with 2N
20-21 total partnership points = cue bid
16-19 total partnership points = bid 1N (if available)
Bidding a new suit
Bid as if you were making an overcall yourself. A new suit is non-forcing.
When do you cue bid?
10+ points with support for partner's suit
12+ points even without support (and you can't bid NT)
12+ points even without support (and you can't bid NT)
Go to the next topic: Takeout Doubles
Copyright © 2011-2014 by Ralph Welton. All rights reserved.
No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website,
or distributed in any way without the express permission of the author.
No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website,
or distributed in any way without the express permission of the author.
Doubles are used both offensively and defensively.
The phrase takeout double is used to describe a bid that requires partnerto bid rather than pass. By contrast a penalty double, alsocalled a business double, means a double made with the intent to makethe opponents play the doubled contract, planning to set them. In betweenis a cooperative double, mildly suggestive of takeout.
Any double can of course be “left in” by passing, converting it to penalty, andany double can be taken out. But, most of the time you should respect your partner’sintent.
Your judgment must be used. For example, in responding to apenalty double, the weaker you are (relative to what your partner shouldexpect in that situation), the more likely you should pull the double.
There are many advanced uses of the red card. See “Support Doubles And Redoubles”and “Responsive Doubles” in Advanced Bidding for example.
Takeout Doubles¶
When opponents open a suit, an immediate double is for takeout up to a chosenlimit, say four hearts. To say that “double is takeout through 4♥” means that(4♥) X is for takeout, while (4♠) X is penalty-oriented. The standard limitis 2♠. Other popular limits are 3♠, 4♦, 4♥, and 4♠. Modern practice favors atleast a 3♠ limit.
A takeout double shows an opening hand, short in their suit, with supportfor all the other suits. However, it is also used for two sorts of special stronghands, with the doubler bidding again on his next turn. To beprecise, a takeout double shows:
- A strong one-suited hand (16+ with a six card suit, 19+ with a five card suit); OR
- A balanced hand too strong (19+) to overcall 1N or lacking stoppers; OR
- A normal takeout double:- A hand you would open- At most a doubleton in their suit- At least Jxx in the unbid suits- Usually cards in the unbid major, or at least 4-3 if both are unbid.The day you don’t follow these rules you’ll get an auction like (1♠) X (Pass) 3♣ andnotice too late that you only have two clubs or you’re at the three level with 10 pointsand your partner doesn’t have any at all.
A takeout double of a two-level bid shows a good solid opener, say 14-15 points, and thetakeout double of a three-level bid requires 16+ points.
In competition, your partner’s double is takeout if:
- They bid a suit below game and below our takeout double limit; AND
- Our side has only passed up to now
Responding To A Takeout Double¶
Note that in a balancing situation, such as (1♠) P (Pass) X, the balancer has“borrowed a King” and partner should subtract 3 points in choosing a response.
If RHO bids, you are no longer “on the hook” and do not have to bid.Otherwise, you usually reserve a pass for a big trump stack and somesignificant strength, especially at the one level. Remember, RHOmay have passed because he knew you had to bid, not because he’s completelybroke.
Although there is the possibility that your partner has a big hand, yourinitial response is to the normal takeout double.
To respond in a suit:
- With zero to about 8 points, bid your best suit as cheaply as possible.Put emphasis on responding in the major partner has promised if choicesare otherwise equal.
- With a decent 9 - 11, you must jump-bid your suit.
- With 12+, you can bid game with a five-card major; otherwise, cue bid their suit.
You may count distributional values for suit bids – in effect, partner already bid thesuit and you are supporting it.
You can pass a takeout double converting it to penalty, but be careful – the qualityas well as the number of your trumps matter. Your partner should lead a trump if he hasone.
To reply in no-trump you must have values; with a weaker hand pick a suit. For a no-trumpresponse, you’ll usually have four of their suit and not have a four card major.
- 1N requires 8-10 HCP and a stopper in their suit.
- 2N requires 1.5 stoppers in their suit and 11-12 points; and
- 3N requires 13 or more HCP and 1.5 stoppers in their suit.
Are You Cheap?¶
How do I say this? Are you cheap? Do you clip coupons and look for bargins? Did yourmother make getting a good deal the goal of your life?
If so, you may be subject to Cheapness in Bridge. Besides constantly complaining aboutcard fees, I mean. Cheapness seems to show up most strongly in responding to takeoutdoubles. Cheapness refuses to jump-bid in reply, concluding that it is a “waste” orthat “we might get too high”. After all, they opened, this thinking goes, so wecouldn’t possibly have a game. When we jump, and end up being too high,which will of course happen, an even more steely resolve toward Cheapness sets in.
You must tell partner the truth. Your side might have a game, or you might haveenough to prevent opener from coming back in to the auction. Did you ever opena hand with 10 HCP using the rule of 20? Maybe they did! You and your partner may have30 HCP between you! And by the way, Cheapness, I suspect you’re playing your lowest cardon defense rather than signaling, you just can’t bear to unblock, and you never underleada King. To be a good player, you must resist the Cheapness.
Doubling With A Strong Hand¶
With a very powerful hand you can double and then bid again, and need not havethe shapes we just described. However, you need to know what you will do ifpartner gets enthusiastic. For example, over one heart you double with 18points but no spades at all. Partner may respond 3♠ or even 4♠. It won’thappen every day but it will happen. You’re going to need a plan.A cue bid is a way to show you have a good hand, but if you do it immediately it isMichaels.
If your partner makes a takeout double and then bids again (including another double orredouble), you must mentally cancelyour expectations of his hand shape; he has just told you his suit or that he’s balanced,and that he has the requisite points. The notion that he has support for the othersuits is now null and void.
Rebids By The Doubler¶
Unless advancer jumps, the intervenor (the person making the takeout double)may not bid again unless they have 17 or more points. Raising partner’s suitalso requires 17 or more support points.
Why? Consider (1♠) X (P) 2♥; (Pass).
Advancer may have NO points at all and has at most 8 points. To raise to 3♥with any safety requires a big hand, and there is no point in taking the risk unless thetotal number of points between the hands may be in reach of game.
After (1♠) X (P) 3♥; (Pass) the advancer has shown 9-11 HCP, so it would still takeextras to raise to game.
When They Make A Takeout Double¶
After partner opens one of a suit, and RHO makes a takeout double, webasically respond the same way as if the double had never happened. Ifplaying 2/1, the forcing 1N and 2/1 bids are off, so replies arestandard bids. However there are two special bids to show a 10+ pointhand.
- A bid of 2N is a limit raise of partner’s major suit. (Jordan)
- A redouble shows 10+ points and usually the inability to raise partner’s suit.
Note that raising partner to the three level is a weak, preemptive bidnow, not the limit raise.
Doubling A Preemptive Opener¶
To make a takeout double of a preemptive opener requires the right shape andthe right number of points. Whatever you do, you won’t always be right.
Generally, use ESP - Expect Seven Points. That’s a conservative estimate ofhow many your partner will have, on average. So over two spades, to be safe atthe three level you need about 23 - 7 or 16 points. Cheat it a little and callit a good opening hand. To bid over a three-level preempt you want to becloser to 17 or more.
Why ESP? Given that a preempt might average 8 points, if you have 16-18, thatleaves 14-16 for the other two partners; that is, around 7-8 for your partner.
When they open a weak two and partner doubles, you answer in more or less thesame way as a takeout double. Generally, if you have about the expectednumber of points, you will not jump in your reply; with many more you will.Because you may jump on good news, woe be the doubler who did not have theright shape, because surely you will have the “wrong” suit.
To reply in no-trump you would be wise to have two stoppers.
There is a dilemma when your suit is lower-ranking than the preempt suit.Consider:
Suppose you have a weak hand with six diamonds. Then you want to bid 3♦ andhave your partner pass. However, if you have the same diamonds but agame-forcing hand, you want to bid 3♦ as game forcing.
Since one bid can’t have two meanings, you must agree what a 3♦ bid willmean. Because of the relative frequency, the only choice is the weaker meaning.
The Lebensohl and Rubensohl conventions described in Advanced Biddingsolve this problem, but are quite difficult for most people. A simplified versionis given in Imprecise Precision.
Negative doubles¶
A negative double is a double after we open a suit and they overcall with a bid up to ournegative double limit. The standard limit is 2♠ although you can use 3♠, 4♦, 4♥, or 4♠,by partnership agreement. As with takeout doubles, modern practice favors at least a3♠ limit. It helps reduce confusion if you make the negative and takeout doublelimit the same.
Agreeing to “negative doubles through 2♠” means that 1♥ (2♠) X isnegative but 1♠ (3♣) X is penalty-oriented.
Generally the focus is on finding a fit to your major suit. However, youalso need to be prepared for your partner to bid the other unbid suit.
Point-wise, a negative double at the one level requires six points.At the two or three level this rises to 8 to 10 points. If vulnerable, theserequirements edge upwards a couple of points.
More importantly, to make a negative double, you have to have the right shape:
- The auction 1♣ (1♦) X promises 4-4 in the majors. You can bid 1♥ or1♠ instead with 4 cards, so there is no reason to double when 4-3,and if you have a five card suit(s) you bid the (higher-ranking) fivecard suit.
- The auction 1♣/♦ (1♥) X promises exactly 4 spades; with more youbid the suit.
- The auction 1♣/♦ (1♠) X promises exactly 4 hearts; with more youbid the suit.
- The auction 1♥ (1♠) X promises one minor and a decent rebid. Forexample:Here responder has a diamond suit and two hearts, and can stand to goback to hearts if opener cannot support his diamonds.
- A negative double of a bid at the two level promises at least oneunbid major and a rebid. It does not promise both unbid suits.
At the two level, you sometimes want to show a five card major but do nothave the requisite 10 points. You can use a negative double. For example,after 1♠ (2♦), holding ♠64 ♥KQ954 ♦KT54 ♣98, you do not have enough pointsto bid 2♥, but you do have enough for a negative double.
If you have the requisite points, bid a five-card suit directly rather thanmake a negative double. Example: 1♦ (1♥) 1♠ shows five or more spades, and1♦ (1♥) X shows exactly four spades. But 1♦ (1♠) X is simply at leastfour hearts, but could be more, because 2♥ would have required 10 points,not merely the five hearts.
If opener has a trump stack he could consider passing, especially non-vulnerable vs.vulnerable. However, the negative double is of unlimited strength so use caution.
Reopening With A Double¶
Part of negative doubles is protecting your partner after you open and thereis an overcall. What if your partner only has the suit they just bid?He cannot double for penalty – a double would be negative.
Warning
As responder, doubling because you have a juicy holding in the overcalledsuit is a very common error. Your partner cannot pass it, because youjust made a negative double!
Here is a hand where responder cannot double after 1♦ (1♠):
The correct solution is to pass, and for theopener to know that if the overcall is passed around to him, and he isshort in the overcalled suit, to reopen with a double. This allows theresponder to pass again and make it a penalty double. For example, inthis case the bidding might go:
converting to a penalty double. Responder without such a holding bidshis four card suits up the line.
Opener has some discretion here; if he opened light, for example, and hispartner was a passed hand, he need not double.
Reopening Doubles After Notrump Openings¶
Suppose you open 1N, and LHO bids a suit, say 2♠. If the next two players pass,a double here is takeout.
By contrast, if LHO and partner pass, and RHO bids a suit, a double is penalty-oriented.The difference is in the position of the overcaller; one is over you, while you areover the other. Of course, penalty-oriented doubles give partner a choice, so dependingon the strength of his hand and vulnerability he way wish to escape to his best suit.The paradox is that the weaker you are, the more urgent it is not to pass.
SOS Redoubles¶
If they double our opening bid and try to pass it out, a redouble is a takeout.Partner should bid their best suit. The reasoning is, especially at matchpoints,if you could make a doubled contract it is likely a top already – there is nopoint trying for a higher score with a redouble, so this bid is available asdistress call. This is also called an SOS Redouble.
Contrast this with the case that we open, the next player doubles, and theresponder redoubles. This shows 10+ points and suggests no fit. The opponentsmay be in severe trouble.
Runouts¶
After partner opens 1N and RHO doubles for penalty, if we have a very weak handour side may be in trouble. If we have a five-card major of course we will transferto it, but if not, what can we do?
A redouble asks partner to bid 2♣!(relay), which we will pass or correct to diamonds.Opener must then pass. At the worst we’ll be in a six-card fit.
Again, the logic is that if we can make 1N doubled, it is already likely a top score.Therefore, redouble can’t be to make the score better.
There are fancier runouts than this one, but this one is easy to remember.
Lead-Directing Doubles¶
They are bidding away and you are going to end up on defense. Wouldn’t it benice to tell your partner what to lead? Sometimes you can!
Principle: Any double of an artificial bid is lead-directing.
Example: Your LHO opens 1N, and your RHO bids 2♥, announced as a transfer to spades.If you want hearts lead, double the artificial 2♥. Naturally, you dothis at your own peril – the opponents may leave your double in if theyhave hearts. So do have a good shape or some strength to go with your heartsuit. The lower the level of their bid, the more careful you must be.
In fact, failure to double for the lead may cause your partner to infer that youmay not want a heart lead.
A very important opportunity for a lead-directing double is when opponents aremaking artificial replies to Ace-asking bids. If the reply is the suit you want led,you double to tell partner about this.
When your partner doubles their slam contract, this demands an “unusual” leadfrom you; if nothing else presents itself from the bidding, lead the suit thedummy bid first. Generally, you double a slam because you believe you willset it if and only if you get this lead. Since you will get a good score just bysetting it, and a really horrible score if you double it and are wrong,you usually only double a slam for the lead. Of course, if you have an Ace to leadagainst 7NT, be my guest.
When your partner doubles their final contract less than a slam, a trump lead is expected,although you might refrain if it would cost you a natural trick.
Equal-Level Conversion Doubles¶
This convention (ELCD) widens the range of hands that can make takeout doubles overone of a major. Most experts use this convention, according to Larry Cohen. Be sureto agree with your partner on it.
Suppose they open a major, say a heart, and you have ♠KQ82 ♥92 ♦AQ962 ♣Q7.
Without ELCD, you cannot double here to try to show your four spades. You’dhave to just bid 2♦ and risk losing the spade suit.
ELCD says that you can double here and then bid diamonds if your partner bids clubs, toshow 4 of the other major and 5+ diamonds.
The downside is that with an 18-point hand with diamonds, you can no longer bid diamondsover clubs because partner won’t think you have the big hand.