How many HCP does a dbl by a passed hand promise?

[zdedo]

Taking the example auction on consideration what is the dbl by a passed hand shows and how high it's hcp count

the auction : p p 1♦ 1♥ dbl

Thank you

[FelicityR]

Taking the example auction on consideration what is the dbl by a passed hand shows and how high it's hcp count

the auction : p p 1♦ 1♥ dbl

Thank you

 

On this auction specifically, I would expect partner to have anything between 7-11 high card points without another constructive bid at his/her disposal. That is, partner does not have a 4 or longer ♠ suit as a 1♠ bid could be made, partner hasn't got a ♥ stopper as a 1NT bid could be made, and partner hasn't got ♦ support as ♦s could be raised. A hand such as ♠Qxx ♥xxx ♦Axx ♣Kxxx would be my interpretation of Dbl in this position.

 

However, some players may have an agreement that a 1♠ bid here could be a 5 card suit, so then Dbl could indicate precisely a 4 card ♠ suit with the same hcp count.

[pescetom]

However, some players may have an agreement that a 1♠ bid here could be a 5 card suit, so then Dbl could indicate precisely a 4 card ♠ suit with the same hcp count.

 

I have such an agreement and Dbl does indicate precisely a 4-card ♠ suit in this case. This Dbl promising length in a precise suit has to be alerted in my RA; I think that is unusual, but better to check.

[Vampyr]

I have such an agreement and Dbl does indicate precisely a 4-card ♠ suit in this case. This Dbl promising length in a precise suit has to be alerted in my RA; I think that is unusual, but better to check.

 

It seems you will be stuck on a lot of maximum passed hands.

[Draculea]

I would adventure to say that by default (without any specific agreement) X shows a 4+ spade suit (may have 5+ spades if very weak) and 1S is promising 5+ spades. Being a PH doesn't change much except that you have an upper bound. Am I missing something?

[dokoko]

In the sequence given - as in many others - the meaning of a dbl doesn't change when you're a passed hand (obviously the initial pass limits your strength).

 

It's only when a dbl by an unpassed hand would show opening strength that you can (and should) lower the requirements. In other situations - especially when responding to partner's 3rd hand opening - keep your bids up to strength as partner may have entered lightly.