Responses to take-out doubles in the balancing seat by Linda J Green

When the opponents have found a fit at the two level and the bidding is followed by two passes, we should balance with a Take-Out Double promising tolerance for the other 3 suits. We do not require many HCP as we are bidding on the premise that partner has values once they stop at a low - level contract.
IF THEY FIT - WE FIT!!

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 8 7 6 4
♥ K J 3
♦ A 5 4 3
♣ K 5

Q: 1 - What do you bid with the following hand when partner has passed originally and is now balancing and bidding on the premise that you have values as well?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	2♥	Pass	Pass
Double	Pass	?

A: 2♠.When partner asks for a suit - bid a suit! When partner has passed and is balancing , do not expect many HCP. Partner is bidding on your hand. If they fit!! We FIT!! It is not necessary to jump a level once partner passed originally. All we want to do is push the opener / responder one level higher in anticipation they will compete and go down.!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 6 4 3
♥ A 4
♦ K J 5 4 3
♣ 5 2

Q: 2 - What do we understand by the double after partner passed originally?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	1 No Trump	Pass	Pass
Double	Pass	?

A: 2♠. When the responder denies a 4-card major and partner passed originally, the double after 1NT is a Take-Out Double showing shortage in Hearts and less than an opening hand. Guarantees tolerance for the other 3 suits. It is always better to bid the 4-card major, as invariably when they respond a NT they deny majors and have the minors.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ K J 3 2
♥ 9 8 7 6
♦ K J
♣ Q 6 5

Q: 3 - What do you bid after partner makes a Take -Out Double for the other two unbid suits having passed originally?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
Pass	1♦	Pass	1NT
Pass	Pass	Double	Pass
?

A: 2♥. When we have two majors , it is best to bid the weaker major as partner will most likely have more HCP in that major. We are not strong enough to double in the direct seat. Partner will balance if the bidding should be left at a low level.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K J 3 2
♥ K J 6
♦ Q 9 8
♣ K 4 3

Q: 4 - What do you bid in the 4th seat when there has been two passes at the 1-level?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	Pass	?

A: 1NT. When the bidding is going to "die-out" at the one level when responder to opener passes the 4th seat is a totally different situation. We pretend we borrow a king from partner and balance with a no trump. This promises 11-14 HCP. Always look at the cards in the opener's suit. Do we want to be the dummy when the lead will be through our KJ6♥? No ways! So balance and keep your hand undisclosed.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A 3
♥ K 6 2
♦ K Q 8 7 4
♣ Q 9 8

Q: 5 - What do you bid when you are in the balancing seat and the bidding has been passed round to you at the one-level?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
Pass	Pass	?

A: 1NT. Remember in the 4th seat everything is different. 11-14 HCP. Those diamonds are wonderful in NT . You do not have tolerance for both unbid majors! We require at least 3 cards to a top honor to double and when we have a NT shape, it is better not to disclose your hand as dummy.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

Rate yourself:

0 - 40%	We applaud your effort. Review the subject and try again. You'll be surprised how much better you'll do. We're here for you!!
41 - 50%	Buy your mentor a cuppa and ask for clarification on the ones you got wrong. No mentor? Make finding one a priority!
51 - 60%	Nice improvement! One more review and you'll have this down solid!
61 - 80%	What a good job! All that's left is some fine tuning
Over 80%	Wow! It's time for you to become a mentor. Find someone who needs help and share your knowledge!