Lead-directing Doubles by Matthias Huberschwiller

In this quiz, we will take a look at lead-directing doubles.

In a sequence where your opponents have made an artificial bid, the double of this bid is not for take-out, rather it shows strength in the suit of the artificial bid.

Will you get every answer right?

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 5 2
♥ 9 6 3
♦ A K J 9 8
♣ 10 8 5

Q: 1 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	1 NT	Pass	2♦
?

A: Double - The 2♦ bid is a transfer, showing Hearts, therefore the double of that bid is not for take-out.

This double shows good Diamonds, with at least five cards, and is asking North to lead Diamonds if he ends up on lead.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 5
♥ Q 6 2
♦ 10 5 2
♣ A 6 5 3 2

Q: 2 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	1 NT	Pass	2♣
?

A: Pass - 2♣ is Stayman. You could double for the lead, but your Club suit is not strong enough. You need to pass as a double would mislead your partner.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 9 6 3
♥ 5 2
♦ A K 10 5 2
♣ 8 4 2

Q: 3 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	1♣	Pass	1♥
Pass	1♠	Pass	2♦
?

A: Double - Your hand was not strong enough for a two-level overcall, but you can double Fourth-suit Forcing to show a nice five-card Diamond suit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ J 9 6 3 2
♥ Q 5 2
♦ 5
♣ 10 8 4 2

Q: 4 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1 NT
Pass	2♦	Double	Pass
?

A: Pass - Your partner's double is not a take-out double. You should only bid with values.

With nothing, you should pass and let your opponents find their contract. They won't try to play 2♦X when your partner has shown a good five-card suit there.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 9 6 2
♥ 5
♦ K 8 5 3 2
♣ A 8 4 3

Q: 5 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	2 NT
Pass	3♦	Double	3♥
?

A: 5♦ - This is another good point of the lead-directing double; you can find a sacrifice contract.

Here, you think they will make 4♥ and should therefore bid 5♦, not to try and make it, but in the hope that going down in 5♦X will be cheaper than East-West making their 4♥ contract.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

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

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