Rate the Double

[eagles123]

all vul matchpoints

 

P P 1S

 

5

AQ4

T7632

AQ92

 

double is...

 

Thanks,

 

eagles

[neilkaz]

Of course I double!

[rmnka447]

Would you pass this hand in 1st or 2nd seat? Let's see, you have 12 HCP, 3 QT and 6 losers. I don't think so.

 

Do you have ♠ shortness and at least 3 card in every unbid suit? Yes, you do.

 

So you have met all the requirements for a takeout double and then some even before you consider the auction.

 

Both LHO and partner have passed. So neither rates to have more than about 10-11 HCP. If RHO has opened with a minimum opener, say 12 HCP, that leaves around 16 HCP for the two passers. So even if LHO has a maximum pass, partner is likely to have some points. The worst case scenario would be if RHO has a big hand and LHO has the 10-11 hand. But that should be a relatively rare occurrence. And anytime RHO has opened light, the amount partner holds is likely to be higher. At matchpoints, you should be concerned about the most likely outcome and that definitely tips towards competing.

 

The opponents do have an advantage because they may hold the highest ranking suit. You may not win the contract because they can compete and win the contract at whatever level you and partner bid. There is some concern about going down 2 or down 1 doubled when vulnerable. But part of good matchpoint playing is to push the opponents one level higher then beat them or win the contract then go down for less than they would make in their part score. You can't do that by passing.

[Winstonm]

In earlier days of bridge, one would be criticized for doubling with this hand. The thinking then was the major had to be 4 cards and if only 3 then overall hand strength must be greater in order to compensate.

 

Today this looks like an clear double.

[The_Badger]

The word 'Snowflake' springs to mind if you don't double. You're not forced to bid again and you've stated your hand in one bid. Rmnka447's analysis is where I'm at too.

 

Of course it could go wrong, I'm not disagreeing with that but 5-0 trump breaks happen too...

[johnu]

Double = 10

1NT = 8

2♠ = 6

2♥ = 6

2♦ = 6

2♣ = 6

Pass = 0

[Wackojack]

Had I got 4 hearts then of course double would be a no brainer. With this hand Partner will respond 2H with a most likely holding of about 7HCP and a 4 card heart suit. A minus -100 outcome will probably score at least average. Scores worse than -100 when hearts break badly and game is not on their way, will I believe be rarer than scores better than -100. On this basis I vote double but close.

[ggwhiz]

I voted good instead of auto just because I would not be surprised if it doesn't work out as hoped.

 

Too many good things can happen though to be a spectator, especially since my partnership opens a bit more conservatively in 1st and 2nd than most. If you are an open all 11's partnership, or close to it take a pass?

[nige1]

all vul matchpoints ♠ 5 ♥ A Q 4 ♦ T 7 6 3 2 ♣ A Q 9 2

P P 1S ??

I think it's close between

Pass = NAT. Timid. But we open light at the one level and also play Multi 2♦ and Lukas 2's.

Double = T/O. Reasonable.

I don't like the other options.

[WellSpyder]

I think it's close between

Pass = NAT. Timid.

Double = T/O. Reasonable.

I don't like the other options.

I think it's close between

Double = good

Double = automatic.

I don't like the other options.

[nige1]

Impressed by the consensus in favour of double, I asked the opinion of Scottish expert. John Matheson, who says he would double, too -- he says players don't bid enough. OK. I'm convinced :) Another valuable lesson :)

[WellSpyder]

Impressed by the consensus in favour of double, I asked the opinion of Scottish expert. John Matheson, who says he would double, too -- he says players don't bid enough. OK. I'm convinced :) Another valuable lesson :)

Nigel, are you sure you understand how these forums are supposed to work? No-one expects other participants to listen to the points being made! :)

[eagles123]

thanks all, the full deal was

 

[hv=pc=n&s=saqj83h5daj94ck74&w=s5haq4dt7632caq92&n=s9762ht9862dq8cj6&e=skt4hkj73dk5ct853&d=n&v=b&b=13&a=pp1sd3sdppp]399|300[/hv]

 

I was east, I put my hand on BW https://bridgewinners.com/article/view/bidding-problem-2-lls8r0qojx/

 

not many like my X, but 4H would do even worse!

 

one of those things I guess!

[sfi]

Of those who doubled, I suspect most would play it as takeout and wind up playing 4C. Penalties is not a majority agreement here.

[eagles123]

I didn't intend it as pens lol, nor is that the agreement, Pard just left it in.

 

maybe that's the issue :)

[sfi]

I didn't intend it as pens lol, nor is that the agreement, Pard just left it in.

 

maybe that's the issue :)

 

Well, yeah. I would genuinely never consider passing opposite a takeout (responsive, whatever term you want) double.

[MrAce]

maybe that's the issue :)

[nullve]

I didn't intend it as pens lol, nor is that the agreement, Pard just left it in.

 

maybe that's the issue :)

I don't know what your agreement is, but if your partner had any reason to expect 3424 shape, then leaving the double in was clearly the right LoTT decision.

 

Btw, did you beat 3♠X?