Monday, September 11, 2006 2:55 PM

Hand Evaluation - Doubles ( Levels )

PITBULLS:

Bridge bidding of course changes depending on the level of the auction. Expert bidders have understandings applicable to the 2 , 3 , 4 or 5 level. The D.S.I.P. competitive double is a handy tool. It allows the partnership to compete better & convert for penalties . When the intention is not to compete nor possibly convert for penalties , the Q bid is a more appropriate tool. At the two level , the D.S.I.P. competitive double was not designed for a game try & showing 4 card trump support. The Q bid was designed to show partner a strong hand & good trump support. The D.S.I.P. competitive double complements the Q bid but does not replace the bid. However , when the opponents take away your ability to Q bid , the D.S.I.P. double substitutes for the Q bid.

♠K10xx ♥Kxx ♦AJxx ♣Q10 , partner passes with LHO opening 1♥ . You pass , LHO bids 2♥ & partner bids 2♠ with the opponents bidding 3♥ so what do you bid ? Partner made a D.S.I.P. competitive double. At the 3 level , the opponents took away his room for a Q bid unless he singe handedly forces to game. This is the only way he can make a game try as bidding 3♠ opposite a passed hand partner would already show a decent competitive hand. The level in which you make a D.S.I.P. competitive double quite often defines the bid. The double is a depending on context ( level ) bid. D.S.I.P. competitive doubles for some partnerships are only defined for the two level. Experts play them up to and including the four level with meanings commensurate to the level..

Partner held ♠Jxxxxx ♥ void ♦ Qxx ♣A1087 so has a simple 4♠ bid opposite a partner who is inviting game. Change the suits around so the auction is forced to the 4 level. The level now changes the meaning of the D.S.I.P. competitive double again. At the four level , the D.S.I.P. competitive double is more penalty orientated. Partner we own this hand so they have given us a choice of taking a plus. My hand is so good , we may even have a slam . The opponents have taken away my ability to Q bid which is the bid I would have made. Bidding 4♥ directly would not show such a strong hand. A D.S.I.P. competitive double at this level turns on forcing passes in case they bid again.

The 5 level , D.S.I.P. competitive doubles do not apply. We are no longer competing at that altitude . Pass means I think they can make their contract & double says I do not think so. This is 1929 standard Bridge where trump stacks determine a double or non double. Since they have to make 11 tricks , old fashioned penalty doubles work well.