Tuesday, December 10, 2002 4:55 PM

Hand Evaluation – Tactics ( Belated Doubles )

PITBULLS:

            Belated doubles occur because a take out double could not be made in the first instance due to a “flaw” . The opponents bidding should now expose the “flaw” so the takeout double can now be made . It is not quite that simple though because some of these belated doubles are for penalty due to an earlier “trap . The key is whether the auction is “live” or a balance. In live auctions , the double is always takeout. This fits in with doubling forcing bids in live auctions ( can not be penalty) . In balancing auctions , there are some rules so penalty doubles can apply. Partnership understandings again , so here is what I play …

Belated doubles:           Assuming partner has not acted:

1.     The double of a raised suit, direct or balancing, is for takeout thru 4 , unless the opponents have bid all four suits naturally.

2.      A double when 2 suits have been bid is for takeout .

3.     A balancing double of NT is always for penalty. Misfit auctions are a lucrative source for sets.  A “pre-balance” double ( live auction )  of a NT rebid is always for takeout.

4.    A double when 3 suits have been bid is penalty.

 

West
1

1 NT

North
P
Dbl

East
1

South
P

Takeout  - I would have had a diamond trap in the balancing so the double would be for penalty . However , this is a live auction as East has not limited her hand & still has a bid. The double shows spades and clubs. This is a “pre-balance”. If you have a diamond trap,  just wait & you may have a shot at doubling 3NT J .

West
1

2

North
P
Dbl

East
1 NT

South
P

Takeout – I have spades and clubs – flaw was no diamonds for initial action . Auction still live as no preference yet

West
1

2

North
P
Dbl

East
1

South
P

Penaltytoo many suits bid so I have a heart trap and clubs.

4. A balancing double of a single suit rebid is for takeout thru 2 unless they responded 1NT ( penalty on misfit auctions only) .

5. A balancing double of 1 NT is never  for takeout. It is a penalty suggestion with strength in dummy’s suit. Examples:

West
1

P

North
P
Dbl

East
1 NT

South
P

This is penalty as 2♣ is for the majors and 2is natural. Using the other minor as a takeout for the majors is an idea originated by Eddie Kantar. If a 1♣ opening bid then 2♣ is for the majors rather than diamonds.

West
1

P

North
P
Dbl

East
1 NT

South
P

Penalty  -  A double of a 2 rebid is also penalty after a 1NT response only. We trap with their major especially if they are vul.

West
1
1 NT

North
P
P

East
1

P

South
P
Dbl

Penalty with spades – partner had a chance to double initially and did not . Not allowed to “change your mind” and now double for takeout.

6. A double of 1NT opener ( any strength) is penalty as you are behind the HCP’s. Whenever NT has been bid in any auction ( 3NT , 2NT response etc) the double is penalty showing cards. Choose a Q bid for T/O so as not to confuse the issue .