When to support double

[CSGibson]

[hv=pc=n&n=skt9ha74dakqj852c&d=w&v=b&b=4&a=p1d(if%20balanced%2C%2018-19%2C%20could%20be%20short)p1h1s]133|200[/hv]

 

Systemically, 1♦ is opened on any balanced 18-19 without a 5 card major and could be short, or any unbalanced opening hand with ♦. A 1N rebid would clarify the hand as the 18-19 hand. Partner will stretch to respond opposite a 1♦ opener.

 

Your choices for a rebid are:

A support X

2♦ (this is either a weak heart raise, a game forcing heart raise, or around 15-18 HCP with 6+ diamonds. It is forcing, with partner supposed to treat it as the weak heart raise until later bidding clarifies the auction)

2N (which systemically shows 16+ HCP and 6+ solid diamonds in an uncontested auction)

3♦ (100% Game forcing, emphasizing ♦)

3N (undefined systemically, logically to play)

4♣ (splinter)

4♦ (swiss raise of hearts)

 

You could also cue bid 2♠, but typically we have been using that bid to show an 18-19 NT without a spade stopper, so I've left it out of the poll.

 

If you make a support X, partner's follow-ups would include XYZ.

[gwnn]

Just out of curiosity, this is a rather funny system, what do I do on minimum hands?

 

3♦ looks good, as long as my partner knows the system.

[han]

I voted for 2NT, but in your explanation it says "uncontested", while only the meaning in a contested auction seems relevant.

 

All these system options seem irrelevant, I guess that the answer you are looking for is, I show the diamonds.

[gwnn]

Yikes, I missed the option of 2NT. Next time I promise I will read the whole post and nothing but the post.

[ArtK78]

The bottom line is whether it is obligatory to make the support double when you hold 3 hearts. This is an issue which has been discussed on other threads.

 

I think you should double and show your power and shape later. The double will not end the auction (at least, it should not end the auction).

 

For those of us who believe the support double is mandatory, it follows that any other bid denies 3 hearts.

 

For those who believe the support double is not mandatory, there is a possibility that you hold 3 hearts if you have gone out of your way to show long diamonds. I cannot think of any other situation in which you would hold 3 hearts and not make a support double.

[whereagles]

I hate support dbls, but if I were forced to play that ugly convention at gun point, I'd prefer to only supp dbl on minimum hands. Reason is with a better hand you usually have alternatives like (shock, horror) making a natural bid.

[jmcw]

I hate support dbls, but if I were forced to play that ugly convention at gun point, I'd prefer to only supp dbl on minimum hands. Reason is with a better hand you usually have alternatives like (shock, horror) making a natural bid.

 

I would DBL to start and go from there, but I'm uncertain if this is best!.

 

I can see rebidding 3♦, but will we ever get to play ♥ if partner thinks I have < 3

 

Is there some better use for the DBL in this situation ?

[CSGibson]

Just out of curiosity, this is a rather funny system, what do I do on minimum hands?

 

3♦ looks good, as long as my partner knows the system.

 

I wasn't trying to focus on the system, so much as explain the options I had available to me within context of the system I was playing at the time, but since you asked...

 

Balanced minimums open 1C or 1N (depending on vulnerability), and unbalanced minimums open naturally. Minimum opening hands with 6+ diamonds tend to open an intermediate 2 bid (9-14 HCP). A pass here would probably indicate an unbalanced hand with 4♠, since the only balanced hand type would be the one with 18-19, which would be forced to act.

[whereagles]

Is there some better use for the DBL in this situation ?

 

Yes. Take out.

[matmat]

Yes. Take out.

 

I love take-out double showing one suit. I think they are awesome and a great use of bidding space.

[whereagles]

hey what happened to your signature?

[matmat]

hey what happened to your signature?

 

The mice got at it.

[jogs]

Normally doubling to show three hearts is best. On this board there is likely nine tricks in notrumps as long as opponents play spade, spade on the first two tricks. Sorry, if they find four club tricks after taking the spade ace.

[MrAce]

I'd DBL and show 3 cards first. And i like support DBLS. What i hate is support RDBLS which i believe is totally different situation than supp DBL.

[jogs]

Announcing 3-card trump support isn't an end in itself. Its purpose to to assist partner in judging during the auction. Do you want partner to pull to 4♥ whenever he holds five hearts?

 

1♦ - p - 1♥ - 1♠

X - p - 2♥ - p

3NT - p - 4♥?

 

♠ xx ♥ QJxxx ♦ x ♣ KJxxx

 

3NT is probably the better contract.

[1eyedjack]

Question: How can 3N be "to play" (poll option) opposite a responder who has shown 6 to 20 points?

 

[EDIT] Forget that - I see that it is undefined

Edited June 26, 2011 by 1eyedjack

[jogs]

Points-schmoints, the object of the game is to make tricks. 3NT is to play. It is not shutout.

[Onedown]

The bottom line is whether it is obligatory to make the support double when you hold 3 hearts. This is an issue which has been discussed on other threads.

 

I think you should double and show your power and shape later. The double will not end the auction (at least, it should not end the auction).

 

For those of us who believe the support double is mandatory, it follows that any other bid denies 3 hearts.

 

For those who believe the support double is not mandatory, there is a possibility that you hold 3 hearts if you have gone out of your way to show long diamonds. I cannot think of any other situation in which you would hold 3 hearts and not make a support double.

I agree with anyone who says use the support x at this juncture. The auction won't stop here and it allows you to show your hand later but at least gives partner an obligatory message.

[rhm]

Announcing 3-card trump support isn't an end in itself. Its purpose to to assist partner in judging during the auction. Do you want partner to pull to 4♥ whenever he holds five hearts?

 

1♦ - p - 1♥ - 1♠

X - p - 2♥ - p

3NT - p - 4♥?

 

♠ xx ♥ QJxxx ♦ x ♣ KJxxx

 

3NT is probably the better contract.

And if partner has a very similar hand ♠ xx ♥ KQJxx ♦ xx ♣ Jxxx 6♥ is excellent while 3NT is down.

 

Having support for partner's major , which I can show cheaply, and a side suit void is not what I should have when I bid an immediate notrump, no matter how solid my minor happens to be.

People, who take unilateral decisions end up with unilateral results.

 

Rainer Herrmann

[Free]

I'll Dbl to show my support. Lovely hand, we need something like ♥KQJx or ♥KQxxx in partner's hand and we already have a fair chance in 6♥.

[jogs]

♠ AQx ♥ QJxxx ♦ -- ♣ xxxxx

 

6♦ is virtually cold. 4♥ may go down.

 

Partners will pull 3NT to 4♥ with any 5-card heart suit after a support double. Not just 'good' five hearts.

[OleBerg]

I love take-out double showing one suit. I think they are awesome and a great use of bidding space.

 

Go directly to B/I - forums. If you pass start, you do not collect $200.

[OleBerg]

"2N (shows 6+ solid diamonds, spade stop, 16+ HCP)"

 

The + after 16 surely shows that 2NT is forcing.

 

I don't think I would ever agree to the abovementioned agreement, but since I am forced to play it, I'd find it silly not to use it on a perfect hand. If partner cannot bid hearts again, they will not be thrumphs.