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Penalty Doubles by David

So many doubles are for take-out nowadays, we are left asking the question which doubles are for penalties. To some extent, this is up to partnership discussion and agreement. However, in this quiz, I will give examples of what is largely agreed among good players.

You are welcome to treat all doubles as you wish in your chosen partnerships.

Question 1

  Your Hand
 A Q 8 7 3
 J 7
 10 5
 10 9 7 3
 
Q: 1 - What will you do on this hand?
SouthWestNorthEast
--1NT2
?


 Your choice:
A: Pass. Contrary to the general ideas of several decades ago, it is generally agreed nowadays that the best use of a double after natural intervention over 1NT is for take-out. You should therefore pass on this hand.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 2

  Your Hand
 A 10 7 2
 K 5
 Q 8 3 2
 6 5 4
 
Q: 2 - Neither side is vulnerable. What is your action here?
SouthWestNorthEast
--1NT2
?

East's 2 shows the major suits.

 Your choice:
A: Double. This is, in effect, the starting gun for applying a penalty double of the opponents' contract, should partner be in agreement. Your double shows HCPs. It does not show a club suit.

If West bids 2 and your partner doubles, you will pass. Picking up 300 may be a good result because game your way is uncertain when you hold just 9 HCP.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
 7 4
 A 9 8 2
 10 6 5 3
 Q J 10
 
Q: 3 - What will you do now?
SouthWestNorthEast
-3Dble5
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. A double at this level is not responsive. It shows points and will usually be passed out for penalties. You need only three tricks to beat 5, against eleven to make some contract on your own cards.

Bidding 5 would be a wild overbid. If the contract can be made, your partner will often have enough to raise to 6!

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
 A J 7
 K Q 6 2
 J 7 6
 A J 5
 
Q: 4 - East opens a 15-17 1NT. What action will you take?
SouthWestNorthEast
---1NT
?


 Your choice:
A: Pass. When you have a flattish strong hand against an opponent's strong 1NT, it is generally right to pass. The chance of a game your way is very unlikely. If you can get any sort of plus-score, that will be OK.

If the range for 1NT had been 12-14, which some players still play, then this hand would be fine for a penalty double.

Some players do still use double for penalties against a strong 1NT. It would not be a good idea here, anyway, since you do not have a promising suit to lead and the contract might well be made.

Some defenses to 1NT put the double of a strong 1NT to good purpose, particularly the Meckwell Defense, which you can look up on the internet.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
 8 5
 A Q 10 8
 K 8 2
 10 6 4 2
 
Q: 5 - What are your plans on this hand? Your partner's double of 1NT shows heart shortage and is for take-out.
SouthWestNorthEast
---1
Pass1NTDble2
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. This is a penalty double. The opponents' bidding has not shown a fit, so there is no reason to play such a double for take-out. You may well score four defensive tricks in your own hand, with the whole of partner's hand to come.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 6

  Your Hand
 K J 9
 A 10 9 8 2
 A Q 2
 8 2
 
Q: 6 - What will you do here?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Dble2NT4
?


Your partner's 2NT shows a sound raise to at least 4.

 Your choice:
A: Double. You have no extra shape and are very suitable for defending. Make a penalty double to tell partner that, as far as you are concerned, the partnership should not go to 5.

If instead you passed, you would be inviting partner to bid on with promising shape/strength.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Overall Results

Your results:   out of    Average: 

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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