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March 31, 2001
Dealing with Doubles and Test Your Defensive Play

Dealing with Doubles

Question:

We are having troubles when the opponents double our opening bid. Just what are the details of bidding in this situation?

Answer:

When partner opens the bidding at the one level with 1/1/1/1 and RHO doubles, it is a takeout double. RHO has at least the values of an opening bid but not a clear idea which suit in which to compete. RHO has promised support for each and every unbid suit. Support is generally considered to be three cards or more. If partner opens 1NT and RHO doubles, it is penalty and is not takeout. RHO thinks that 1NT can be defeated. The range in hand types for this bid are fairly broad. A running suit might double. More often than not it is a better than average hand (15 or 16 points at least) with a good anchor suit.

Take responder’s seat now. Just what are you suppose to do:

Partner opens 1NT and RHO doubles-

RHO thinks she can defeat 1NT. This pretty much rules out any chance for game. If you have a good hand (about 6 to 9 HCP) and think that RHO has misjudged, you should probably pass and let partner play 1NT doubled. If you are really confident (say about 9 HCP or greater) you can redouble, which is to play. Note that you will not get the game bonus unless you redouble. If you pass or redouble, later in the auction, a double by you of any run-out by the opponents is for penalties. Bidding is the weak action. It is better to play in a fit or likely fit than in no trump. All suit bids at the two level are to play. The weaker your hand the more imperative that you bid your five card suit. Some partnerships decide to retain 2 as Stayman. I do not think this is necessary but you can decide for yourself. As responder it is up to you to bid. If you pass partner will think you want to play 1NT doubled.

I would bid 2 with this hand:

J4

875

742

J9764

But I would pass 1NT doubled with:

K4

875

742

QJ764

Partner opens 1 of a suit and RHO doubles-

Once again your chances of game are greatly reduced. RHO has at least the values of an opening bid and should hold at least three cards in each unbid suit. Most of the time RHO will be shortest in partner's opening bid suit (doubleton, singleton, or void). If partner opened a minor then you should not go out of your way to bid poor four card major suits. They may be breaking poorly and you will need a little extra to survive. Featureless hands of even 6 or 7 points should pass. With a good 7 points or more bid five card major suits at the one level (still forcing) or good quality four card suits. New suits at the two level are NOT FORCING. They are usually a six card suit with about 6-9 points and no fit for opener’s suit (singleton or void). With hands of 10 points or more you must bid a new suit at the one level (forcing), redouble, or make a jump raise. Redouble promises 10 points or more. It sets up a situation where both you and partner know that this hand belongs to your side (10 in your hand + at least 13 with partner). Later in the auction we will not sell out to the opponents unless it is doubled. A jump raise has the same meaning as without a double (trump support and 11 to 12 points).

I would redouble after 1-Dbl with this hand:

104

KJ103

QJ10

A976

After 1-Dbl or 1-Dbl I would bid 1, and after 1-Dbl I would bid 3. The only real changes are the redouble and the fact that new suits at the two level are no longer forcing. Most of the time you will have a poor hand and will be passing.

Test Your Defensive Play

How good are you at defensive play? Do you consistently send partner the correct message? Do you play the correct card? On these three hands from a quiz in Issue #37 you are West. The original article contained six problems.

#1 What card do you lead?

West	North	East	South
	1	1	3NT
Pass	Pass	Pass

Your hand:

West

875

Q842

65

J1098

#2 Partner leads the A. What card do you play?

West	North	East	South
	1	2	2
Pass	3	Pass	4
Pass	Pass	Pass

Your hand:

	North
	???
	???
	???
West	???	East
75		???
843		???
QJ62		???
J732	South (dummy)	???
	Q1063
	KQJ65
	85
	108

#3 What card do you lead?

West	North	East	South
	1	1	1
4	4	Pass	4NT
Pass	5	Double	5
Pass	Pass	Pass

Your hand:

West

A72

Q10765

10863

4

Answers to Test Your Defensive Play:

#1 - First, if you let the 3NT bid talk you out of leading partner's suit, then shame on you! Partner overcalled to tell you exactly what to lead. If you belong to the school that says always lead your highest card in partner's suit then maybe this hand will convince you differently. If you lead a small heart (2) only then does 3NT go down one trick.

The complete hand:

	North
	Q1062
	3
	AKJ8
West (you)	KQ32	East
875		AJ9
Q842		A10976
65		432
J1098	South	65
	K43
	KJ5
	Q1097
	A74

#2 - The correct play is the Q to signal that you hold the J in case partner needs to put your hand on lead at trick two. Yes, the 6 would be an encouraging signal. It also is much more difficult to read. Unless partner gets to your hand at trick two and you shift to the obvious club, then declarer is going to make 4.

The complete hand:

	North
	AKJ42
	A10
	107
West (you)	K654	East
75		98
843		972
QJ62		AK943
J732	South	AQ9
	Q1063
	KQJ65
	85
	108

#3 - The opponents are off two aces. Partner doubled for a heart lead. You should lead your singleton club as it is the only road to 3 tricks for the defense. Lead the club, win the A, and lead a heart to partner to get your club ruff. A singleton, extra trumps, trump control, and partner with an entry.

The complete hand:

	North
	Q843
	9
	AJ5
West (you)	AKQ97	East
A72		5
Q10765		AKJ43
10863		942
4	South	8532
	KJ1096
	82
	KQ7
	J106

Thanks!
Gary King

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