Maximal Double

A maximal double is a type of cooperative double used when your side has found a major-suit fit in a competitive auction. It distinguishes major-suit game tries from competitive bids at the 3-level. The following two hands illustrate the problem that the maximal double attempts to remedy:

KQJ873 93 A53 Q2

You     1 ? LHO     2 Partner     2 RHO     3

You want to make a competitive 3 bid in accordance with the Law of Total Tricks. However, you don’t want to encourage partner to bid game.

AK873 92 AJT9 KJ

You     1 ? LHO     2 Partner     2 RHO     3

With a stronger hand (15-17 points), you want to bid 3 as an invitation for partner to game.

How can partner know the difference? A maximal double in these auction is a game try, saying “Partner, please sign off at the 3-level with a minimum hand or bid game with a maximum.”

As a corollary, bidding 3 in the above auctions would merely be competitive, not invitational. Partner would not be expected to bid further.

Lastly, note that the maximal double is alertable since opponents will otherwise naturally think that your double is for penalty.

The maximal double applies to two specific auctions:

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     3

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     3

In both auctions, your side has bid and raised 1 Major - 2 Major. Meanwhile, the opponents have bid and raised the suit directly below yours to the 3-level.

If the opponents bid and raise any other suit, then your other agreements apply (e.g. Help Suit Game Tries or Short Suit Game Tries).

To add a twist…. You can also use maximal doubles if your side OVERCALLS 1 Major - 2 Major. Examples:

RHO     1 3

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     1 3

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

The conditions are basically the same as when your side opens the bidding. You may want to bid your 3-level suit competitively, or make a game try. The maximal double gives you both options.

Lastly, here are auctions where the maximal double doesn't apply:

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     3

You and your partner haven’t agreed on a major suit. Therefore double is penalty, or a support double if you play it.

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     3

The opponents have bid and raised a suit that is not directly below yours. Double is penalty. (Note: Some partnerships prefer to play this as a maximal double too. It's up to you.)

You     1 Dbl

LHO     1

Partner     2

RHO     2

The opponents have bid and raised a suit above yours. Double is penalty. (Again, some partnerships treat this as a maximal double as well.)

You     1 Dbl

LHO     2

Partner     2

RHO     3

The opponents have not agreed to a suit. Double is penalty.