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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
-3♣Dble5♣
?


 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
1♥Dble2NT4♠
?


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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