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Are Lightner doubles actually worth it?


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Just been having a think about Lightner doubles. Do they actually give out a profit given that:

 

a) It stops you doubling when it's going loads off if you want the normal lead, or the non-specified lead.

b) Often, partner won't know what do lead.

c) Opponents might be able to run.

d) You might not get any more tricks other than the ruff you ask for a trick 1.

e) Opponents might redouble.

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Just been having a think about Lightner doubles. Do they actually give out a profit given that:

 

a) It stops you doubling when it's going loads off if you want the normal lead, or the non-specified lead.

b) Often, partner won't know what do lead.

c) Opponents might be able to run.

d) You might not get any more tricks other than the ruff you ask for a trick 1.

e) Opponents might redouble.

 

I guess it depends on the level of bridge.

 

a) Good players shouldn't bid such a slam very often. If they did, be very happy with the undoubled penalty.

b) The rules about what to lead are pretty straightforward.

c,d,e) If the opponents are making a small slam despite losing an unexpected trick, they should have been bidding the grand slam.

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Most of the problems you cite with Lightner doubles can be a problem at matchpoints. But at IMPs they're not as much of an issue. If they manage to make the contract anyway, the double bonus they get is not many IMPs compared to the potential gain if you do manage to set them. You're risking 280 point loss for 1080 gain.
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