To D(Be)L or not to D(Be)L, that is the question

[silvr bull]

Sorry. I showed the wrong vulnerability the first time. This is correct:

[hv=pc=n&n=skqjt96ht7daqj4c8&d=e&v=e&b=6&a=pp3d3s4dpp]133|200[/hv]

Playing with a good partner, but against random BBO opponents who are strangers to each other and who have not discussed any conventional meanings.

 

Feel free to criticize the 3♠ call if you like, but the question I want to focus on is whether or not North should double 4♦. It is obvious that partner holds few (if any) ♦. He probably does have some tickets here, but he showed no interest in supporting ♠. I think it is safe to assume that partner holds lots of ♥ and ♣. Even if I could employ the old beginners style to better communicate the hand by standing up and shouting "I DOUBLE YOU!!!" :D, it isn't clear that partner will be able to pass the double. Should North pass softly here in hopes of collecting a substantial undoubled penalty from vulnerable opponents?

[rhm]

Should North pass softly here in hopes of collecting a substantial undoubled penalty from vulnerable opponents?

Of course, and be happy they are vulnerable. Even if they wouldn't be, you have no alternative.

Double is stupid.

 

Rainer Herrmann

[Codo]

They are non vul. Rainer, but pass is still obvious. You would double with a 5314, with a 6313 or similar, where you decided to bid spades first.

[silvr bull]

Of course, and be happy they are vulnerable. Even if they wouldn't be, you have no alternative.

Double is stupid.

Hey! I resemble that remark. :D East West are indeed vulnerable. I have corrected the original error in the hand above.

[mikeh]

I think the caption is wrong. The question isn't whether to double, since nobody in their right mind doubles, but whether to bid 4♠. I'm surprised no one has yet suggested that.

 

Having suggested it, I reject it. My suspicion is that LHO has a LOT of hcp and is mistakenly thinking his partner has good diamonds given the vulnerability. He can't bid 3N and doesn't feel confident doubling 3♠, but he'll hit 4♠...which may make on a diamond to the K or a void and the club A in dummy, but I'd expect an Ace to be led, followed immediately buy 2 rounds of trump.

 

So I pass.

[mr1303]

Given that double is takeout, you have no choice other than to pass. Partner already knows he's short in diamonds and so hasn't raised, doubled for take out or done anything else sensible.

 

Partner is almost certainly broke. Take +200 gratefully.

 

If you double and partner bids 4H, what do you do then? 4S is asking for the axe.