What do you play this double as?

[CSGibson]

[hv=d=s&v=n&s=sakt75hat872d42c8]133|100|Scoring: IMP

1♠-(2N)-X-(P),

?[/hv]

 

Do you bid 3 hearts right away, or do you pass and await developments? What is the standard meaning of double by partner in that situation?

[1eyedjack]

Should there not be another option: intent to penalise at least one of their suits? Not that I have a strong opinion, but I feel that is a popular use.

[neilkaz]

Should there not be another option: intent to penalise at least one of their suits? Not that I have a strong opinion, but I feel that is a popular use.

Yes I agree that option should be listed.

[helene_t]

I think it promises at least some interest in defending doubled.

 

I would bid 3♥. This shows five and now might be the only chance of showing it.

[Gerben42]

I would pass, after all I have defensive values in the form of Aces.

[gnasher]

I don't see how double can make any promise about penalising one or both of their suits. If it did, what would you do with a balanced 11-count that isn't particularly interested in penalties? You have to be able to bid something with Kx AKJx xxx xxxx.

 

With the hand in the original post, I'd bid 3♥, because I have five of them.

[hanp]

Ditto gnasher, I play it just shows values. I would pass with the 5-5 to see if partner can double.

[Pict]

'Traditionally' penalty oriented, but it's not clear that has ever worked very well.

 

I'd still assume that on the basis that partner can otherwise find something to say (usually), or can pass for the moment.

[karlson]

I think it's also best to play the immediate double as flexible values, and to pass with a pure penalty double. Playing that structure, this is an easy 3♥ bid, but an easy pass if partner had passed over 2n.

[pooltuna]

Should there not be another option: intent to penalise at least one of their suits? Not that I have a strong opinion, but I feel that is a popular use.

ah ha !! This is where my vote falls

[the hog]

I pass. Partner has said that she has the ability to penalise at least one of their suits, and has denied a Spade fit, and I have an AK and an A. Pass seems obvious to me. With the "values" hand type suggested by Gnasher, would not partner pass first and then double later for t/o?

[jdonn]

I don't see how double can make any promise about penalising one or both of their suits. If it did, what would you do with a balanced 11-count that isn't particularly interested in penalties? You have to be able to bid something with Kx AKJx xxx xxxx.

You can easily agree that pass then double is balanced values, which I have done before. It's much more useful than waiting for a hand that wants to penalize one of their suits but isn't strong enough to double 2NT.

 

I bid 3♥ here as well but it's somewhat of a guess, as no one might have a fit anywhere.

[peachy]

Intend to penalize them in one or both suits. Of course some values must be held, not just length, and setting up a force to at least three of something we can play unless we defend them doubled. I didn't vote because this option was not in it.

[Cyberyeti]

Should there not be another option: intent to penalise at least one of their suits? Not that I have a strong opinion, but I feel that is a popular use.

ah ha !! This is where my vote falls

My vote too.

 

Pass is sensible, 3♥ is also OK.

 

Might be coloured slightly by what you play 1♠-2N-3♣/♦ as. Many people play these as artificial with a wide variety of meanings.

 

If partner doubles 3m, you actually have a good hand for him with 3 top tricks, the trouble is that if he doesn't, you're likely only to be showing 4 hearts.

[Mbodell]

I think it's also best to play the immediate double as flexible values, and to pass with a pure penalty double. Playing that structure, this is an easy 3♥ bid, but an easy pass if partner had passed over 2n.

Yep, this is what I play also. X means I have interest in defending in general, probably interest in penalizing one strain and tolerance for defending the other. If I have a pure penalty of one strain but not the other I can pass and then X.

[MFA]

I pass. If partner doubles 3m, it's fine for me. If he passes, I can bid 3♥ then. This is a potential disaster hand for the opposition, if the pass to 2NT is for instance 2-2 in the minors.