By
Bill Treble
Platinum Life Master and author of Two Over One: A First Course
Nowadays, most low-level doubles are takeout-oriented, but there are a few specific exceptions. Here is the first of them:
|
You
1
|
|
LHO
1NT
|
|
Partner
Dbl
|
|
|
Although some people might assume this to be for
takeout, partner smells blood and his double is for penalties.
It’s only a
negative double if they have overcalled in a suit and there are two unbid suits. That is not the case here, and it’s unlikely that responder will have all three other suits.
A typical hand for partner would be something like:

Q J 10 8

A J 9

10 7

K 8 6 4
The 1NT overcaller is about to get a very bad dummy, and is in a heap of trouble. That’s what partner’s double says.
Low-level doubles of suits in competitive auctions are generally for takeout, but doubles of 1NT contracts mean business.
Another bidding sequence:
|
Partner
1
Dbl
|
|
RHO
Dbl
|
|
You
Redbl
|
|
LHO
2
|
Your redouble announced 10+ HCP without a great fit for partner’s suit. At this point, whatever LHO does, the partnership is in a forcing situation. Your side will either bid on or double their contract.
When opener doubles
2
, then, it’s for penalty. If he had diamonds, for example, he could just bid them. Partner is showing length and/or strength in clubs and your side is known to have at least 22 points between you.