negative doubles

[squeeeze]

after 1d (1s), can X be made on any number of hearts or should it be 4 exactly. pretty sure can X with quite a few hearts and then sign off in 2h on next round of bidding. correct me if wrong

 

also for 1s (2d), what about X here? is it always 4.

[Gerben42]

after 1d (1s), can X be made on any number of hearts or should it be 4 exactly. pretty sure can X with quite a few hearts and then sign off in 2h on next round of bidding. correct me if wrong

 

It can be made on many more ♥, if you play SAYC then 1♦ (1♠) 2♥ is forcing, which means you will have to double on something like:

 

♠x ♥AQJxxx ♦xxx ♣xxx.

 

also for 1s (2d), what about X here? is it always 4.

 

Also here it can be on more than 4 cards, although the situation where you Double with long ♥ and a weak hand should be discounted as you will not stop before the 3-level. The most likely hands are those with 5 bad ♥ and playable in more than 1 suit, for example:

 

♠Qx ♥Jxxxx ♦xx ♣AKxx.

 

On this hand you should Double as the correct strain and level are not clear yet.