Double Over 1N Overcall

[gurgistan]

Let us say I open 1♣. LHO intervenes with 1N. Partner Doubles.

 

What does partner's double mean?

 

I never was sure whilst playing standard American nor am I any the wiser now that I play 2/1.

 

I think it is a takeout double. Partner can support all suits and wants me to pick one. I am not sure what point count he would have though.

 

Is my understanding correct or not?

 

Any and all help appreciated.

[babalu1997]

me thinks that is penalty

 

partner hopefully opned with 2 quick tricks, you count yours, you must know why you are doubling

 

if you are going to compete with a partial, you and partner have to agree on something

 

i think hamilton is a well known device.

[helene_t]

yes, it is penalty. You should make this double with all hands with (8)9+ HCPs, except with some highly distributional hands that you can show in some other way by agreement.

 

double of 2NT and higher is always penalty and double of 1NT usually is. The exception is

(1banana)-pass-(1NT)-double

which is t/o of bananas. And there are a few other situations where some agree to play non-penalty doubles.

 

But 1banana-(1NT)-double is not one of those situations.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

penalty.

 

If it is takeout, shortage in openers (partners) suit, than chances are low that

you have a fit, evem if 1m can be opened on a minor 4 / 5 card suits are

more freuqnet than 3 card suit.

 

Strength - depends how light you open, but the double should say / gurantee, that

you have at least half of the deck, so from 9+ onward.

 

The consequence is, that any other bid, espesially a new suit on the 2 level showes

a hand with less than 9.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[peachy]

This auction has nothing to do with whether you play Standard (American or any other) or 2/1. Without agreements, the Dbl is penalty. I don't know of anybody who plays it something else, and if they do, what it could mean. Assumong 1NT overcall is some 15-17/16-18 variety.

[gwnn]

9+ any (with obvious exceptions)