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.
