Hesitation - again

[sanst]

This obviously includes hesitations following an unexpected action by another player.

(Which is essentially what we are discussing here.)

Unexpected? Is the sequence1♦-(3♠)-p-(p) so unusual? Without the hesitation the 4♥ vul vs nonvul is completely idiotic and an exaple of suicide bridge. -800 or -1100 is not unlikely, where it might be just -140. As I wrote before, east made use of the UI and should be dealt with accordingly.

[lamford]

The number is diminishing but I still see cards that say takeout doubles only apply up to 3♥

Indeed I have played with one or two intermediate players who play "negative doubles through 3S". They usually understand that "through" or "thru" means that a double of 3S is included, but not always. I suspect that West on this hand was uncertain whether double would be takeout or penalties, and he panicked and passed. East used the UI that West clearly had values. If East can show that double of 3S by West would have been takeout, then Pass is not an LA on the East hand. Otherwise Pass is an LA and all bids are demonstrably suggested over Pass, even though 4H would not be an LA.