When Doubles are involved by Bobby Wolff

A: Double: You are at the top of your range for your earlier actions. This is the right moment to double, suggesting that the opponents may have made a mistake. This will allow your partner to raise spades, introduce a five-card suit if he has one, or play for penalties.


Your result so far:

A: 3♥: It never does any harm to cover the basics from time to time. When the opponents bid and raise a suit after your side has doubled, your side's next double is takeout rather than for penalty. That applies whether you or your partner makes the second double. So you should bid three hearts now.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Partner has bid out his shape, suggesting short hearts. Rather than bid three no-trump, it feels logical to me to temporize with three hearts now. I would raise a call of three spades or four clubs to game and pass a three-no-trump bid. If partner jumps to five clubs, I will surely bid slam.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: The range for a balancing call of one no-trump is approximately 11-14, so this sequence shows a slightly better hand. Your partner has suggested approximately a strong no-trump. Since your side doesn't have much of a fit and the opponents' high cards are located over the strong hand, you should pass now.


Your result so far:

A: 2♦: You could make a sensible case for bidding one no-trump here to try to make it more difficult for the opponents to compete. On the other hand, if they do bid two of a major, will you or your partner know whether to bid on to three diamonds? This is a strong argument for raising to two diamonds at once, and letting partner raise if the opponents compete in a major.

Your result so far: