Wednesday, January 14, 2004 6:59 AM

Re-opening Doubles

PITBULLS:

Minimum equal level conversion definitely applies over direct takeout doubles . Spurning tradition bidding methods , I feel that minimum equal level conversion should apply also in balancing situations and re-opening situations with negative doubles.

My philosophy of balancing doubles matches that of re-opening doubles in negative double theory . In negative double theory you bend over backwards to double in case partner has a penalty double conversion. In my mind , there is no difference in the balancing seat . You bend over backwards to double ,in case partner has trapped with their suit. Therefore a double in the balancing has to be treated with caution . It is going to have 10 HCP’s and up but it might not have the ideal shape . If having partner pass the double is a disaster , then Q bid instead to show the balancing distributional rock .

O.K. whenever you have defense in the balancing you will tend to double . xx AKxx QJ10xx xx and it goes 1S and then around to you , I feel a double is right is case partner has a spade trap. What if partner bids 2C ? Minimum equal level conversion to the rescue . You bid 2D which at the same level does not show extra.

Let us review all the traditional heart balances over a spade opener. 2H is just a bid . 3H is an intermediate jump with a single suit . A double followed by a 2H bid is a hand traditionally in the 16 HCP range probable only 5 cards and another suit . A double and a 3H jump would be up in the 18-20 range and a Q bid followed by hearts is a game force demand 2 type of hand .

I feel you do not need the double followed by a 2H bid to show a good hand . if the suit is good bid 3H going in and if the suit is not good , choose another bid . 2H should be equal level conversion to encourage doubles with a 5 card heart suit. You can not have it both ways . You want to re-open or balance with a double to catch speeders. If you miss there is no reason to play in an inferior partial because you might show a strong hand.

Re-opening doubles playing negative doubles and in the balancing spot cater to punishing the opponents first and describing your distribution second ! People who open weak 2’s on any kind of suit escape horrendous sets time after time because partnerships under use the double card in the balancing chair . Catching them speeding is easy . Think double as your first bid and other bids only if you can not stand a penalty pass. Partner will give you leeway in your off shape balances .

In order to encourage this practice of doubling with off shape hands to catch bad pre-empters, minimum equal level conversion has to apply in these sequences also . There are always other ways to describe hands that are strong . Upping the level is an easy out to describe them.

I had a hand with Tom in Pentiction , Jx AQxx AJ9xx xx & LHO opened 2S and around to you. You double and partner bids 3C which is alerted as constructive. I passed and we went two down vul in our 4-2 club fit cold for 130 in diamonds. 330 is a lot of IMPS to waste. Minimum equal level conversion to the rescue so you bid 3D . What if you did have a diamond rock in the balancing spot ? Say Jx AQxx AKQ10xx x and the auction went the same way . You can always bid 3S to ask him to bid 3NT after your double and if he does not , bidding diamonds will now show this hand.