"Special" Double

[lordc]

North East South West

 

 

Pass 1♣ 1♦ 1♠

 

2♦ Double

 

Playing SAYC, what does the double indicate?

Edited December 4, 2013 by lordc

[ArtK78]

In many partnerships, this is a support double, indicating 3 card spade support and nothing more.

 

Otherwise, it probably just shows extra values.

 

There is no mention of support doubles in the ACBL SAYC system booklet. And this sequence (or any close variation of it) is undiscussed as far as I can see.

[SteveMoe]

If not a support double, then should show 2=3=3=5/2=4=3=4 and 18-19 HCP (15-17 opens 1N, 12-14 passes 2♦). Cooperative Penalty double. Promises 3 cards in their suit (2 cards at the 3-level), and not more than a tolerance (0-2 cards) of responder's ♠ suit. Responder will know what to do.

[paulg]

Takeout, extra values. Can include hands that some would make a support double with, so I don't agree with Steve.

[Zelandakh]

The SAYC booklet gives a 3 card raise as an example in this position so it is clear that this is not a Support Double. It also says that bids are the same as without interference if possible and that doubles at this level are takeout/negative. In light of this I would expect Opener to have a hand that wants to compete without extras (competitive double) most of the time. Something like 2416 shape or just very long clubs. The other type that might be held is something like an 18 point balanced hand without a diamond stop, although strictly speaking that hand would probably be expected to rebid 3♦.

[Lorne50]

For me it shows 4 hearts or 3 spades (or both).