Tuesday, November 29, 2005 3:07 AM

Hand Evaluation – Pulling Doubles ( Profit )

PITBULLS:

Some people play the game of Bridge by way of rote rules or platitudes. One of the worst of these platitudes is “do not pull my penalty doubles” . Beginners are told to live by this rule as they have yet to develop any Bridge judgment. Penalty doubles must be pulled , if the situation warrants it ! You use criteria like vulnerability , expected compensation , defensive tricks & slam tries , fit with partner’s suit as considerations for pulling a penalty double. You leave in doubles , if based on your bidding , you hold what partner can reasonably expect . I was playing with a tormentee who opened 1♠ vul on ♠AKxxxx ♥KJxx ♦void ♣Axx , RHO bid 2NT also vulnerable. I doubled , the bid went around to the 2NT bidder who bid 3♦ which I also doubled. Do you leave in the double ?

3♦X is definitely going down as you have 3 ½ defensive tricks. You have a diamond void so they are getting a bad trump break. Will the penalty compensate for your sure vulnerable game or possible slam ? Diamond duplication of value will probably prevent a slam . Can you make game your way ? Probably guaranteed as you have extra with partner showing a good hand. Therefore , the set must be in the +800 range for a good board. You have an offensive playing hand instead of a defensive hand. The void in diamonds is a deterrent in defense as you can not switch to a trump . Also more diamonds are going to appear on the board due to your void. I pull this double to 3NT or 3♥ & apologize to partner if it is wrong. I pass quickly in IMPS or rubber Bridge though , as I am assured of a plus.

Many players pull doubles because they are ashamed of their opener. This is the last reason to pull a penalty double. This set could be your only chance for a plus as game is now iffy. If you opened on 11 HCP but you have your defensive tricks , this is an excellent time to leave in the double. You pull doubles with offensive hands , not weak hands. Partner can not “reasonably expect” that you have a 5-5 or a 6-4 or a 7 card suit which are playing hands. These are the hands where penalty doubles are routinely pulled, by expert players. Partner announces shortness in your 1^st suit by doubling but she may have length in your 2^nd suit which kills your hand defensively. Partner can reasonably expect a light opener though as they come with the territory of playing Bridge.

You open 1♣ with a nice playing hand & your 2 ½ playing tricks ♠xx ♥KJxx ♦x ♣AKxxxx