Monday Wake-Up by Marti Ronemus

A: Pass: What on earth is Pard asking for? It can't be for takeout, can it? Okay, pay attention. This is an example of a double in the PASS OUT seat, as opposed to a double in the direct seat. A direct double of a 1 No-trumps RESPONSE OR REBID (showing minimum values) is for takeout. BUT! A BALANCING double is asking Pard to convert it to penalties. But there's more, and this is key: You are also being directed to lead dummy's first bid suit. The doubler is behind the suit and has values. Re-read this.

Your result so far:

A: Double: The double of an artificial bid is (usually) lead directing. Don't be shy about doubling for the lead with an ace or king. Some are wary about this because they think it gives too much info to the declarer. What nonsense! Others don't do it because they are asleep at the switch. Better to tell Pard what you have and hope the info helps set the contract. And now an important point: if you DON'T double, pard will make a negative inference and NOT lead the suit. You'll miss your chance.

Your result so far:

A: Double: As we saw in the last question, the double of an artificial bid is usually for lead direction. What about this time? At this low a level, it shows length and strength in the artificial suit bid. Your partner has options. He can convert to penalty OR bid the artificial suit with some nice features in either shape or suit.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: At favorable vulnerability especially, we like this hand. Notice that we're now on the other side of the table from the last question. Pard is probably short in Spades. We've got some very nice shape, and if you're stuck on the tiny 6 pts., look closer. We can steal this contract, with a huge trumps fit. We probably aren't going down far, and even doubled, that's a good hand! Will they let us have it? To be announced...

Your result so far:

A: 3 No-trumps: On our first bid, we had some choices. We could have jumped to 2 No-trumps (we are playing 13-15 on Mondays). Or we could have Negative Doubled, which was our choice, as that gives us the best of all worlds. That promises Pard four Hearts. When Pard rebid the Diamonds (how uncooperative of him!), rather than Hearts, it only makes sense to bid 3 No-trumps. Will it work out? You can play the hand now and see what happens. Good luck!

Your result so far: