What is double

[Miron]

p - p - 1♠ - 2♣

p - 2♥ - x

[Gerben42]

Dbl is not penalty. Partner has not bid so far and I cannot have ALL suits on my own. So it's takeout. I'd guess either a good 5-4 or a shapely 6-4.

[Quantumcat]

I thought 1♠ then 3♦ was identical to 1♠ then X but now I see this difference, partner can now bid 2♠ instead of three if she wants.

 

It seems there does not exist one single double at the two level that is penalty. There is always some excuse why it's not!

[jtfanclub]

I play it as 16+ (usually 18+), no particular objection to partner leaving it in with 4+ hearts, but not truly penalty. I define a penalty double as one where, if partner has a minimum balanced hand for his bidding so far, he should pass the double. That's almost unimaginable here.

[ArtK78]

Double shows a good hand - good enough to get back into the auction.

 

Clearly, it is not a single suited spade hand, otherwise one would bid 2S or 3S.

 

So, it shows spades and diamonds and about a King more than a minimum opening. It does not promise 6-4, but that is quite possible. With 6-4 and a minimum, you probably should not double - just bid 2S assuming the spades are good enough, or pass.

[SoTired]

Goren rules for t/o meets all these conditions (still mostly accepted today):

1) Dbl is not conventional

2) Partner has not bid or only passed

3) Contract is not NT

4) Dbler did not pass this suit and dbl it later

This dbl meets all those conditions, so this dbl is t/o.

[cherdano]

It's takeout, but I would expect a really good hand, this is a dangerous auction. A king above minimum opening strength certainly wouldn't be enough for me. 16+HCP with 6-4 might do, if the hcp are good.

[skjaeran]

It's clearly a strong t/o. Either a very strong 5♠4♦ hand or a more than decent 6-4.

[jtfanclub]

It's clearly a strong t/o. Either a very strong 5♠4♦ hand or a more than decent 6-4.

So what would you do with a 19 count 5332?