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 Re-opening Doubles by David Bird

In this quiz, we will take a look at re-opening doubles. These are take-out doubles made in the pass-out seat.

When we look at such doubles made by the opening bidder (such as 1♥ - 1♠ - Pass - Pass, Double), we will assume that a double of 1♠ by the opener's partner would have been a negative (take-out) Double. So, it will be possible that he has strength in the overcaller's suit, but could not double for penalties.

Question 1

  Your Hand
♠ 6
♥ K J 8 7
♦ A Q 8 7 2
♣ K 10 6
 
Q: 1 - What action, if any, will you take now?
SouthWestNorthEast
1♦1♠PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. Even though you have a minimum opening bid, you should keep the bidding open with a double (for take-out). East did not raise the spades, nor make any other bid, so it is quite likely that your partner has some values and a stack of spades over West. He could not double for penalties because a negative double by him would have shown hearts. When he holds good spades, he will be delighted to hear your re-opening double!

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 2

  Your Hand
♠ A J 7 6
♥ 8 3
♦ Q 7
♣ K Q 8 7 2
 
Q: 2 - What will your next move be in this situation?
SouthWestNorthEast
1♣1♠PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Pass. We saw on the first question that you can re-open the bidding when you are short in the overcaller's suit. Here, you should pass. If instead you re-open with a double, your partner will probably bid 2♥ or 2♦, which is not what you want to hear.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
♠ K 8 2
♥ 9
♦ A J 10 6 5
♣ A Q 6 3
 
Q: 3 - Over to you in this situation.
SouthWestNorthEast
1♦2♥PassPass
?


West's 2♥ was a weak jump overcall.

 Your choice:
A: Double. Again, your partner may have a fair hand with good hearts sitting over West. He could not double for penalties, but he will welcome a double from you; he will leave in the double for penalties. If he does not have good hearts, he can make a bid in any of the other three suits.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
♠ A Q 7 6 3
♥ K Q 9 2
♦ J 6
♣ 8 2
 
Q: 4 - What will you do here?
SouthWestNorthEast
1♠2♣PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. You are reluctant to let the opponents buy the contract at such a low level, choosing trumps. It is much better to re-open with a double rather than rebidding 2♥.

If partner has good clubs, he will welcome your double. If he doesn't and you have a heart fit, he will respond 2♥ anyway. If he bids 2♦ instead, you will pass and hope for the best.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
♠ Q 2
♥ Q 9 7 3
♦ A K J 8 2
♣ 10 6
 
Q: 5 - What action will you take here?
SouthWestNorthEast
--1♠Pass
2♦3♣PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. You are strong enough to re-open the auction, and the most flexible action is a double. Partner will then have a great range of options available. He can rebid in spades, hearts or diamonds. He can also bid 3NT, or pass your double for penalties.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 6

  Your Hand
♠ 7 6
♥ A J 10 4
♦ K 9 2
♣ A Q 8 7
 
Q: 6 - You start with a negative double. What will you do on the next round?
SouthWestNorthEast
--1♦1♠
Dble2♠PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. When you have no good natural bid to make in the re-opening position, but have the values to say something, the answer is usually to double. If instead you were to bid 3♣, you might miss a good contract in diamonds.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 7

  Your Hand
♠ 4
♥ K 7 6
♦ A J 6
♣ A Q J 7 3 2
 
Q: 7 - Quite rightly, you start with an overcall on this hand. What will you say next, if anything, when the bidding returns to you?
SouthWestNorthEast
---1♠
2♣2♠PassPass
?


 Your choice:
A: Double. Partner already knows about your good clubs. A re-opening double will allow him to bid a good red suit, or to settle in 3♣. Occasionally, he will feel able to pass for penalties.

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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