Strong Reopening Double

[kenrexford]

2♣-2♠-Pass-Pass-X-P-?

 

[MP, no one vulnerable]

 

Your hand:

 

xxx-xx-xxx-KJxxx.

 

In answering this, discuss whether the double will be more like a 4441 takeout or more like a spade-flawed 22-23 balanced.

[jdulmage]

I'd take it as penalty. The 2♣ opener has got to have another bid besides double and if you had a penalty hand for 2♠, you would have doubled immediately, not passed.

[kenrexford]

I should preface this question with our agreements, I suppose. We play that a pass is game-forcing, possibly based upon a penalty pass hand. Double is the weak action.

[jdulmage]

So a pass of 2♠ by you is GF and a double of 2♠ is weak? You are probably opposite a takeout double then, but with weak spade holding. I'd say singleton or doubleton garbage. I'd say it pretty well guarantees 4 hearts. If he had a balanced hand without 4 hearts, but strength in the unbid suits, he could bid 3 spades asking for a stopper.

 

Better yet...ask your partner, lol.

[han]

I'd say that double is fairly wide ranging, but most likely balanced with two or three small spades. The double does not show 4 hearts.

 

Anyway, with the given hand it is easy, just bid 3C.

[kenrexford]

I also assumed that partner had a flawed 22-23 balanced, although I can understand a 4441. Not sure whether 3S asks for a stopper, though, or shows the 4441.

 

If 22-23 balanced, are you not concerned that our game, if any, may turn on clubs coming in, which seems possibly anti-percentage?

[Kalvan14]

if the pass already establishe a GF, 3♣ has no alternative. WTP?

[hatchett]

I think double should be a balanced hand. 3♠ should be natural in case LHO is having a joke