Tuesday, December 10, 2002 4:55 PM
Belated Doubles
PITBULLS:
Belated
doubles occur because a take out double
could not be made in the first instance due to a “flaw” . The opponents bidding
should now expose the “flaw” and the takeout double can now be made . It is not
quite that simple though because some of these belated doubles are for penalty due to an earlier “trap” . The key
is whether the auction is “live” or a
balance. In live auctions
where the auction has not ended, the double is takeout. In balancing there are
some rules. Partnership understandings again so here is what we play …
Belated doubles: Assuming partner has not acted:
1. 1. The double
of a raised
suit, direct or balancing, is for takeout thru 4 ♦, unless the
opponents have bid all four suits naturally.
2. 2. A double
when 2 suits have been bid is for takeout .
3. 3. A balancing double of NT is always for penalty. A “pre-balance”
double of a NT rebid is always
for takeout.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Takeout
- I would have had a diamond trap in the balancing and the double would be for penalty . However this is a live auction as East has not limited her hand and still has a bid. The double shows
spades and clubs. This
is a “pre-balance”. If you have a diamond trap, just wait and you may have a shot at
3NT J .
Even if they are a passed hand , if the auction is not over , the double is
takeout.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
P |
P |
1♥ |
P |
|
1♠ |
P |
1NT |
X |
|
2♠ |
X |
P |
? |
The double of 2♠ was a co-operative D.S.I.P. double as
2NT was available for choice of minors. Leave the double in or pick a minor
depending on your defense.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Takeout – I have spades
and clubs – flaw was no diamonds . Auction not over.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Penalty – too many
suits bid and I have a heart
trap and clubs.
3. A balancing
double of a single suit rebid is for takeout
thru 2♠ .
4. A balancing double of 1 NT is never for takeout. It is a
penalty suggestion with strength in dummy’s suit. Examples:
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
This is penalty
as 2♣ is for the majors and 2♦ is natural. Using the other minor as a takeout for the majors is
an idea originated by Eddie Kantar. If a 1♣ opening bid , 2♦ is for the
majors rather than diamonds. This scheme allows you to bid their suit as
natural which can be handy.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Penalty -
A double of a 2♥ rebid is also penalty
after a 1NT response only. We trap
with their major especially if they are vul.
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Penalty with spades
– partner had a chance to double initially
and did not . Not allowed to “change your mind” and now double for takeout.