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Doubles - Doubles, Penalty

Question 1 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - p - 2C - p - 2H - p - 4H - p - 4S - p - 5D - Doubled

1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 1 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - p - 2C - p - 2H - p - 4H - p - 4S - p - 5D - Doubled
Answer
3 ). Something else

After a Cue bid of 5 Diamonds, a double is a "lead directing double", asking partner to lead diamonds.

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Question 2 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1NT - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 2 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1NT - doubled
Answer
1 . Double for penalty

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Question 3 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1NT - doubled - 2H - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 3 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1NT - doubled - 2H - doubled
Answer
1 . Double for penalty

First, any double of a 1NT is for penalties, of course, and ANY subsequent double.

Second, after any double for penalty, it's generally good advice to keep the enemy on the hook if they try another route. They will invariably be digging themselves deeper and deeper. Of course, in this case, after doubling the 2H, doubler will need a good reason for his double, as the enemy could otherwise easily have the points and length to support their 2H bid.

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Question 4 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 4 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - doubled
Answer
2 . Double for takeout

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Question 5 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1S - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 5 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1S - doubled
Answer
2 . Double for takeout

The bid promises the missing two suits, Diamonds and Hearts

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Question 6 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1S - pass - 2S - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 6 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1S - pass - 2S - doubled
Answer
2 . Double for takeout

The bid promises the missing two suits, Diamonds and Hearts

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Question 7 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1H - pass - 2S - pass - 3S - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 7 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1C - pass - 1H - pass - 2S - pass - 3S - doubled
Answer
1 . Double for penalty

A double of a suit bid at the 3-level normally is for penalty, not for takeout

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Question 8 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

3S - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 8 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

3S - doubled
Answer
2 . Double for takeout

A double of a preemptive suit bid at the 3-level is normally for takeout. It might be a good idea to check with your partner that he plays this way too.

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Question 9 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

2H - doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 9 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

2H - doubled
Answer
2 . Double for takeout

A double of a preemptive suit bid at the 2-level (usually known as a weak 2) is normally for takeout. It might be a good idea to check with your partner that he plays this way too.

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Question 10 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - p - 2C - 2D - 2H - p - 4H - 5D - Doubled
1. Double for penalty
2. Double for takeout
3. Something else

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Question 10 (of 12 on this page)
In this bidding sequence, what is meant by the double ?

1S - p - 2C - 2D - 2H - p - 4H - 5D - Doubled
Answer
3 . Something else

After a sacrifice bid of 5 Diamonds from the opposition, a double is for penalties..

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Question 11 (of 12 on this page)
When is the best time to double for penalties ?
1. When the opposition have overcalled and won a Heart contract at the 4 level
2. When the opposition have bid a small Slam suit contract, and you have 10 High Card Points in your hand
3. After a weak 3 opening when you have a fist full of points, and lots of trumps
4. When you are 80% sure they will go down 2 tricks, and get only 1 Club instead of 3.

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Question 11 (of 12 on this page)
When is the best time to double for penalties ?
Answer
1 . When the opposition have overcalled and won a Heart contract at the 4 level

It's not a good idea to double a preemptive weak 3 opening, as your poor partner will think you are doubling for takeout. Disaster.

Just because you have 10 points does not mean the enemy will fail to make their small Slam. You need more evidence than this.

80% chance of going down 2 is not good enough. You need a 90% chance. If you were wrong, and you will be one for every 4 times you are right, the enemy will be doubled into game, at great cost to your score.

On the other hand, if the enemy has overcalled and stolen your contract, and ended up at the 4 level in a Major, then you might want to think about a double.

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Question 12 (of 12 on this page)
Which of these considerations might prevent you from doubling a suit contract
1. rewards often low
2. gives information to enemy
3. risks can be high

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Question 12 (of 12 on this page)
Which of these considerations might prevent you from doubling a suit contract
Answer
1,2,3. All

All of them are factors.

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