Bridge Corner: September 7, 2017

Hello and welcome to the Tidewater Bridge Unit (TBU).

There are many uses for the term “Double” in bridge circles. Let’s examine five of the most common meanings for the use of the “Double”:

1. Penalty Double is to set opponents’ contract for extra points
a. When is it a penalty double?
1. Partner has made any previous bid
2. 1 No Trump is doubled
3. Game or slam contract is doubled
b. Tips on Penalty doubles
1. Doubles can locate key cards for the declarer, so double with caution
2. Declarer may run to another known suit
3. Should have a trump trick or long trump to double
4. Doubler should usually count on 2 defensive tricks if partner opened the bidding, 1 trick if he overcalled
5. Determine if your hand is defensive (good points, no long suit) to double. If offensive (long suits) best not to double

2. Takeout Double asks partner to bid
a. Double is bid directly over opening bid or at player’s initial opportunity to bid
b. Requirements are 12+ dummy points and support in all unbid suits, 4 cards in an unbid major. Need more points if partner’s initial response must be made at a higher level
c. Forces partner to bid his longest unbid suit, regardless of point count

Responding to a takeout double
0 – 8 High Card Points (HCP) bid longest unbid suit, prefer a major
8 – 11 HCP invite game
12+ HCP insist upon game
Responding to Opener over a takeout double (if can’t raise opener’s suit)
6 – 9 HCP bid one of a suit (prefer 5 card suit)
8 – 9 HCP bid 1NT with no support for partner and a balanced hand
10+ HCP redouble

3. Balancing Double is to compete in bidding
a. Make a balancing double in 4th seat with 9 – 11 HCP, support in all unbid suits
b. Make a balancing double when points appear balanced between partnerships

4. Negative Double is a response to opener
a. Make a negative double in response to partner’s opening over an overcall
b. Basic requirements include 4+ cards in each unbid suit especially majors, can be 3 in a minor, 6+ HCP when partner can respond at the one level. More points are required when partner needs to respond at a higher level

5. Lead Directing Double requests a specific lead
a. A double of an opponent’s artificial bid
b. Asks partner to lead the doubled suit for best defense of the contract
c. Requirements include a trick winner, high honors in the suit (A, KQ). Could be void if expecting opponents to play in a suit contract.
Winning Pairs
August 30, 2017
Section A Game

Aldis Raymond – Leon C. Ragland
Harold M Kiefer – Lillye Holley
Elva N. Taylor – LaFrancis Rodgers
Wilma H. Horne – Olethia Everett
Betty L. Warren – Grace W Setzer
Gloria Maddux – Harriet F. Goodrich
Evelyn J. Monroe – Cindy Burrell-Jones
Adrienne Ivory – Barbara Whitfield
Rosemary Whitehurst – Oneida R. Lacey

TIDEWATER BRIDGE UNIT UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Tuesday, Sepetember 12
Cooke-Suburban Bridge game
10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$4 – $5

Wednesday, Sepetember 13
Bon-Ton bridge game
10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$4 – $5

Come and join us: Tidewater Bridge Unit 2017 Grade “A” Tournament—September 15, 16, 17 at the Hyatt Place, 70 Eden Way North, Chesapeake, VA. 233320.
RESERVATIONS:
(757) 312-0020

All activities, unless otherwise noted, are located at the Berkley Senior Center, 925 S. Main Street, Norfolk, VA. For additional information on classes, games, or tournaments, please call Jennifer Douglas at (757) 701-0640.