Snapdragon Double

In bridge bidding, a Snapdragon double is a competitive double after the first three players bid three different suits. A Snapdragon double by the fourth player is artificial and forcing. It advertises length in the lone unbid suit (5+ cards), at least 8 points, and tolerance for partner's suit. "Tolerance" ranges from doubleton to tripleton support depending on partnership agreement.

The following examples demonstrate middle-of-the-road support, e.g. honor doubletons like A-x or K-x.

AQ832 92 QJ T873

West     1 Partner     1 East     1 You     Dbl*

Your double shows a spade suit with tolerance for diamonds. The reasoning behind the Snapdragon double is that a natural penalty double here is very impractical. Snapdragon nurtures the hope of playing in either of two suits.

Vulnerability and bidding level are factors in determining whether to double, and Snapdragon is typically played through the 2-level. At the 2-level, however, it promises a better suit and values:

K9 KQT832 7 T873

West     1 Partner     1 East     2 You     Dbl*

Your double indicates a good heart suit with spade tolerance.

Now imagine a third auction:

AJ3 765 QT J8752

West     1 Partner     2 East     2 You     ?

You should pass with flat shape and anemic clubs that would require bidding at the 3-level.

By inference, bidding the fourth suit instead of doubling denies support for partner.

AQJ632 765 J74 8

West     1 Partner     2 East     2 You     2

Your 2 denies club tolerance because you didn't make a Snapdragon double.

The Snapdragon double is forcing for one round. In response to a Snapdragon double, overcaller's rebids are natural.