Tuesday, December 10, 2002 4:55 PM

Hand Evaluation – Balancing ( 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” so 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 , the double is always takeout. This fits in with doubling forcing bids in live auctions ( can not be penalty) . In balancing auctions , there are some rules so penalty doubles can apply. Partnership understandings again , so here is what I play …

Belated doubles: Assuming partner has not acted:

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. A double when 2 suits have been bid is for takeout .

3. A balancing double of NT is always for penalty. Misfit auctions are a lucrative source for sets, so use 2♣ for T/O . A “pre-balance” double ( live auction ) of a NT rebid is always for takeout.

4. A double when 3 suits have been bid is penalty.

West 1 ♦ 1 NT

North P Dbl

East 1 ♥

South P

Takeout - I would have had a diamond trap in the balancing so the double would be for penalty . However , this is a live auction as East has not limited her hand & still has a bid. The double shows spades and clubs. This is a “pre-balance”. If you have a diamond trap, just wait & you may have a shot at doubling 3NT J .

West 1 ♥ 2 ♦

North P Dbl

East 1 NT

South P

Takeout – I have spades and clubs – flaw was no diamonds for initial action . Auction still live as no preference yet

West 1 ♥ 2 ♣

North P Dbl

East 1 ♠

South P

Penalty – too many suits bid so I have a heart trap and clubs.

4. A double of a single suit rebid by opener ( live auction ) is for takeout thru 2♠ unless they responded 1NT ( penalty on misfit auctions only) .

5. A balancing double of 1 NT is never for takeout. It is a penalty suggestion with strength in dummy’s suit. Examples:

West 1 ♦ P

North P Dbl

East 1 NT

South P

This is penalty as 2♣ is for the majors and 2♦ is natural ( suggestion by Kantar ). Using the other minor as a takeout for the majors is an idea originated by Eddie Kantar. If a 1♣ opening bid then 2♣ is for the majors rather than diamonds. Ilya Kuzkin suggests using both the double & 2♣ for T/O . The 2♣ bid lacks defense though & the double is a defensive T/O .

West 1 ♥ P

North P Dbl

East 1 NT

South P

Penalty - A double of a 2♥ rebid is also penalty after a 1NT response only. We trap with their major especially when they are vul.

West 1 ♣ 1 NT

North P P

East 1♠ P

South P Dbl

Penalty with spades – partner had a chance to double initially and did not . Not allowed to “change your mind” and now double for takeout. Use 2♣ for a T/O balance.

6. A double of 1NT opener ( any strength) is penalty as you are behind the HCP’s. Whenever NT has been bid in any auction ( 3NT , 2NT response etc) the double is penalty showing cards. Choose a Q bid for T/O so as not to confuse the issue .