Note:
Only summaries are included below -
see book for details
Saved by
Marty (A Story by Larry
Cohen) 45
No Time to
Prepare — Order
Takeout 48
An Offshape
Double is Nothing But
Trouble 50
Negative
Doubles: The Quintessential
Convention 53
Saved by Marty (A Story by Larry Cohen)
“The real test of a bridge player isn't in keeping out of
trouble, but in escaping once he's in.”
Alfred Sheinwold, well-known syndicated bridge columnist
...
No Time to Prepare — Order Takeout
When you have a
tough bidding decision, strive to be flexible. When you would
like to be flexible, consider making a takeout double. When
you double, you allow partner to assist in the decision-making
process. When you do not know what to do, perhaps your
partner will.
Do not be trapped
into believing that all doubles at high levels are for
penalty. In fact, level plays a secondary role in determining
the meaning of a double. A good rule of thumb is: When
partner has not yet made a bid, most doubles are for takeout.
...
An Offshape Double is Nothing But Trouble
“I had a hand yesterday that I have to ask you about,” said
one of my students as she arrived in class. “My opponent
opened 1
,
and my hand was¼
Wait a minute, I wrote it down, I know you like that. I've got
it here somewhere,” she said, opening up a purse the size of
the Grand Canyon.
...
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The key to
takeout doubles is distribution, not HCP.
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Unless you
have a huge hand, do not make a takeout double with
shortness in an unbid major.
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...
Negative Doubles: The Quintessential Convention
The negative double is the most important convention in modern
bridge.
The world owes its
inventor, theorist Al Roth, a big debt of gratitude. Suppose
you were dealt:
1. Can you
pass? That’s not very enterprising. Once partner opens, you
would like to take action. It would also be nice to show your
major, hoping for a fit.
2. Can you bid
1NT? No, that would show a stopper in spades, the opponent's
suit.
3. Can you bid 2
?
No, you need at least 10 HCP to bid a new suit at the two
level.
4. Can you bid 2
?
No, you should not support opener's minor with only three
cards.
5. Can you bid 2?
No, responder must satisfy the requirements of five and ten
to introduce a major at the two level (five-card or longer
suit and at least 10 HCP).
...
CHAPTER 8 -
AFTER THE DOUBLE
57
64