Friday, April 20, 2007 12:00 AM

Disturbing Our NT

PITBULLS:

Opponents make atrocious bids with their systemic toys over our strong NT. Partnership understandings are needed to help sort out the mess and punish them if we can & bid our game if we can not. The penalty double should be the primary weapon of choice when they are bidding naturally or when they are bidding artificially with you holding one or both of the suits they are advertising. The only exception to this rule is an artificial 2♣ bid . A double of this particular bid is defined as Stayman. This is the only exception though.

Lets take this hand for example. Partner opens a strong NT and they overcall 2♥ showing hearts & a minor. ♠A10xx ♥J10xx ♦Jx ♣Qxx so you double 2♥ for penalty. There should be understandings when the opponents run out. They bid 2NT for partners minor so a double of 2NT should say I have at least 3 cards in both minors. A pass of 2NT would imply points in the majors or the ability to double only one minor. They now bid 3♣ and a double by responder is made simple knowing that partner has at least 3♣.

What about suction or other artificial bids ? Some need partnership agreements right at the table with the help of the opponents. Generally a double just means is that it is our hand so lets the penalty double commence. Do not waste your double to announce the artificial suit they are bidding. Just bid the suit or bid Rubensohl if they are bidding a major that you cannot double for penalties. Your first inclination should be extracting a penalty unless you are vul vrs not. On that vulnerability just bidding your game seems to work better.