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D26 INTRODUCTION TO NEGATIVE DOUBLES

1. Definition

The way it works is that after partner has opened with a suit bid and right hand opponent overcalls with another suit bid, then double is now not a penalty double, it is a takeout double. So if partner opens 1© and right hand opponent overcalls with 2¨, double from you now is a take out double showing a willingness to play in either spades or clubs. You need 7 or more points to make the bid.

The main benefit of the bid is that you don't have to bid poor 4 card suits at an unnecessary high level after an opponent has chipped in with a suit overcall.

For example, you hold as South;

ª 9 6 4
© Q J 5 3
¨ A 8 3 2
§ Q 9

Your partner opens 1§ and your right hand opponent chips in with 1ª . What can you bid now?

You and partner probably have the balance of the points. Under standard methods you have a problem. To bid 2¨ or 2© would imply a better suit than you actually have, necessarily 5 cards since you have exceeded the 'safety zone' of 2§ with this modest hand. You can't bid 1NT without a spade stop. The answer is a negative double showing 7 or more points, a desire to compete and a willingness to play either in hearts or diamonds. The bid is always forcing although with exceptional trumps and good defence opener can pass for penalties

2. Replying to the Negative double

As with the standard take-out double, the reply will be a limit bid, choosing one of partner's suits at the appropriate level, or a bid of no trumps or a repeat of your own suit. If you are so strong that you cannot find a suitable limit bid, then bid the opponent's suit to keep the auction rolling, just as you might after the informatory double

3. How do you show a Penalty Double

Since Double of a simple suit overcall by opponents is now take-out, you cannot double for penalties. What you may do is to pass (quickly if possible!). Opener should now stretch to re-open with a take out double on all but the weakest of openings.

e.g. You hold as North

ª A Q 10 4 3
© K J 4
¨ 7
§ K J 10 3

You are the dealer and open 1ª . Left hand opponent bids 2¨ followed by passes from partner and right hand opponent.

Now South, your partner, may be lurking with a penalty double! If you double now it is take-out. (remember the old rule, double is take-out if partner has passed or not yet bid). If partner actually had a penalty double, he will now pass your double thankfully!

4. At what Level does an immediate Double of the Overcall revert to Penalties?

As high as you and partner agree, but I recommend the 3 level. That is to say, doubles of opponents suit overcalls at the 3 level or higher are always penalty. Double of one level or 2 level suit overcalls are take-out. e.g. 1ª 2© Dble = takeout, but 1§ 3ª Dble = penalty.

5. Extra Guide-lines

a) When partner opens 1§ or 1¨, and opponents bid 1ª or 2ª, double guarantees 4 hearts.

d) All changes of suit after an overcalls are forcing.

e) A double of a 1NT overcall by opponents is always penalties and shows 10 points or more

f) After partner has opened 1NT, double of a suit overcall by opponents is always penalties.