1S or X

[eagles123]

IMPS (BBO hand)

 

[hv=pc=n&w=saqjt3hqdq54ckj32&d=n&v=n&b=5&a=1hpp]133|200[/hv]

 

 

this hand came up just now, i wasn't sure what my best bid was. I thought for a bit but decided to X on the basis that 1 - it's basically take out double shape except for an extra spade and 2) p might be wanting me to X so he can pass it for pens if he has a stack of H himself.

 

However literally everyone else on the hand bid 1S. Was X crazy lol?

 

Thanks,

 

Eagles

 

[hv=pc=n&s=skq7ha743dqj95cat&w=s86hj962d732cj873&n=saj93hkt85dkt86cq&e=st542hqda4ck96542&d=n&v=0&b=1&a=pp6hppp]399|300[/hv]

[billw55]

The shape demands 1♠, but balancing is a little different. Using the add-a-king-when-balancing rule, we might start with double, it's close. Plus ops are vul, once in a while we can hang 'em high. I think I would try it.

[helene_t]

It's close but I think I would like a slightly better hand for X followed by 2♠. So 1♠ for me.

[1eyedjack]

I think that 1♠ this time, planning to X over 2♥ when it gets back to me next time, describes the hand better than X first time and 2♠ next time.

[WGF_Flame]

IMPS (BBO hand)

 

[hv=pc=n&w=saqjt3hqdq54ckj32&d=n&v=n&b=5&a=1hpp]133|200[/hv]

 

 

this hand came up just now, i wasn't sure what my best bid was. I thought for a bit but decided to X on the basis that 1 - it's basically take out double shape except for an extra spade and 2) p might be wanting me to X so he can pass it for pens if he has a stack of H himself.

 

However literally everyone else on the hand bid 1S. Was X crazy lol?

 

Thanks,

 

Eagles

 

As you can see, the reasson people consider double here is not because of the shape, but because of the strengh, Q more and they probebly double, but again not because of the shape. as for the shape, always give higher priority to majors, the difference between a the 5 card major you have in spade, and the 3 card minor is huge. (especially that the spades looks so nice). change the spades and diamonds and people will like the double much more.

[eagles123]

all makes sense thanks all :)

 

Eagles

[akwoo]

I would bid 1♠, but with a low singleton heart and KQJx in clubs, I think that would be strong enough for double then 2♠ in balancing seat.

[Kungsgeten]

Since we're in fourth hand there's not much need for a weak jump overcall. If discussed with partner I think it is sensible to overcall 2S here, showing a good spade suit and perhaps 14-16 hcp.

[1eyedjack]

Since we're in fourth hand there's not much need for a weak jump overcall. If discussed with partner I think it is sensible to overcall 2S here, showing a good spade suit and perhaps 14-16 hcp.

I would expect a 6th Spade from a partner who did that opposite me.

[ArtK78]

Top of the range for a 1♠ balance. Not quite a good enough hand for double followed by 1♠, and not a long enough suit for a 2♠ balance.

[neilkaz]

Top of the range for a 1♠ balance. Not quite a good enough hand for double followed by 1♠, and not a long enough suit for a 2♠ balance.

We agree 100%.

[Kungsgeten]

I would expect a 6th Spade from a partner who did that opposite me.

 

Ofcourse, I must have miscounted the spades in the diagram :D

In that case I would bid 1♠ with this hand.

[Vampyr]

Top of the range for a 1♠ balance. Not quite a good enough hand for double followed by 1♠, and not a long enough suit for a 2♠ balance.

 

I also agree with this.

 

"Borrowing a King" has been mentioned, but I don't think that this refers to doubling and then bidding a suit. It's about choosing whether to act at all with a marginal hand.

 

To the OP: you will not go far wrong if you make it a policy never to make a takeout double with a 5-card major. The only time I would ever consider it is over a minor where I had a stronger 4-card major. I can't even remember the last time I did this.

 

Of course this does not apply if you have a very strong hand and are intending to double and then bid your suit.