Responsive Double

A responsive double is used after partner makes a takeout double. It occurs when:

1. Your left-hand opponent ("LHO") opens a suit,
2. Partner makes a takeout double, and
3. Your right-hand opponent ("RHO") raises.

A double in this situation shows at least 4-4 shape in:

• the major suits if the opponents bid a minor, or
• the minor suits if the opponents bid a major.

A543 QT98 5 Q652

LHO     1 Partner     Dbl RHO     2 You     Dbl1 (1) A responsive double, showing both majors. Partner is asked to bid 2 or 2.

964 52 AQ53 AJ84

LHO      1 Partner     Dbl RHO     2 You     Dbl1 (1) A responsive double, showing both minors.

K964 5 KT53 A984

LHO     1 Partner     Dbl RHO      2 You     21 (1) Do NOT make a responsive double if you can bid a 4-card major instead.

5 543 KJT65 AKJT

LHO     1 Partner     Dbl RHO     3 You     Dbl1 (1) A responsive double, advertising both minors.

Some pairs also play responsive doubles opposite an overcall:

K54 T7 AT73 K652

LHO     1 Partner     2 RHO     2 You     Dbl1 (1) A responsive double, denying heart support but promising both minors.

In their excellent book "Modern Bridge Conventions", Bill Root and Richard Pavlicek suggest these HCP minimums for a responsive double:

• 6+ points at the 2-level
• 8+ points at the 3-level
• 10+ points at the 4-level

They also suggest playing responsive doubles up to 4, although many partnerships play them through 3 instead.

Root and Pavlicek attribute responsive doubles to American player Dr. F. Fielding-Reid.