Monday, September 11, 2006 2:55 PM
Hand Evaluation - Doubles ( Levels )
PITBULLS:
Bridge
bidding of course changes depending on the level of the auction. Expert bidders have
understandings applicable to the 2 , 3 , 4 or 5
level. The D.S.I.P. double is a handy
tool. It allows the partnership to compete better & convert for penalties . If the intention is not to compete nor possibly
convert for penalties , the Q bid is a more appropriate tool. At the two level , the D.S.I.P. double was not designed for a game try & showing 4
card trump support. The Q bid was
designed to show partner a strong hand & good trump support. The D.S.I.P.
double complements the Q bid but
does not replace the bid. However , if the opponents
take away your ability
to Q bid , the D.S.I.P. double substitutes
for the Q bid.
♠K10xx ♥Kxx ♦AJxx ♣Q10 , partner passes with LHO opening 1♥ . You pass , LHO bids 2♥ & partner bids 2♠ with the opponents
bidding 3♥ so what do you bid ? Partner made a D.S.I.P. competitive
double. At the 3 level , the opponents took away
his room for a Q bid unless he singe handedly forces to game. This is the
only way
he can make a game try as bidding 3♠ opposite a passed
hand partner would already show a decent competitive hand. The level in which you make a D.S.I.P. double
quite often defines the bid.
Partner
held ♠Jxxxxx ♥ void ♦ Qxx ♣A1087 so has a simple 4♠ bid opposite a
partner who is inviting game. Change the suits around so the auction is forced
to the 4 level. The level now
changes the meaning of the D.S.I.P. double again. At the four level , the D.S.I.P. competitive double is more penalty orientated. Partner we own this hand so they have given us a choice of taking a plus. My hand is so good , we may even have a slam . The opponents have taken
away my ability to Q bid which is
the bid I would have made. Bidding 4♥ directly would not
show such a strong hand. A D.S.I.P. double at this level turns on forcing passes in case they bid again.
The 5 level , D.S.I.P. doubles do not apply. Pass means I
think they can make their contract & double says I do not think so. This is
1929 standard Bridge where trump stacks
determine a double or non double.