Note:
Only summaries are included below -
see book for details
Searching For
Signs of
Life
57
The Goal After
Redouble is to Kick
Butt! 61
How Do I
Support Thee? Let Me Count the
Ways 64
Searching For Signs of Life
You are dealt the
following hand:
|
|
LHO
Partner RHO You
—
— 1
Dbl
P 1
P ??? |
I would like you to
put your curiosity on hold for a few moments. Although the
answer to this problem appears at the conclusion of this
article, I recommend that you read all the way through so that
you will understand the reasons for the answer.
Back to our hand.
The key issue here is the amount of strength shown by
partner's bid. It never ceases to amaze me how many
experienced players believe that partner's response only
addresses his choice of suit.
Here is a simple yet effective method of responding to
partner's takeout double after third hand passes. Did I invent
this? Absolutely not.
| |
|
After Partner’s Takeout Double
(suit
responses)
1. A non-jump = 0–8 points
2. A jump bid = 9–11 points
3. A cuebid = 12+ points
All
numbers include distribution
|
|
|
...
The Goal After Redouble is to Kick Butt!
“The penalty double is an integral part of the game. Without
it, there would be no way of preventing rambunctious souls
from bidding forever.”
Anonymous
After partner's
opening bid has been doubled, a redouble promises at least 10
points. Most players do not realize what that really means.
Although your side has the clear balance of power, the
opponents have decided to enter the bidding. However, they
have yet to find a fit; in fact, they may not have one. Even
if they are able to locate their best suit, they may lack the
firepower to make anything.
What should
opener's side do after redoubling? Try for penalties, go for
blood! Average players consider only their own cards;
experienced players love to pounce on the opponents when they
step out of line.
The stage is set
for a lucrative penalty double. Opener should go for the
jugular with four trumps. At the two level, he can even double
with three good trumps. The redoubler will overrule the
suggestion with a singleton. Otherwise, he will be delighted
to cooperate with opener in teaching the opponents an
expensive lesson.
If unable to
double, opener will bid only if he has something worth saying.
He will strain to pass the auction back around to his partner,
hoping that he will be able to double. The redoubler will be
delighted to do so with adequate trumps; otherwise he will
bid.
If they have a fit,
you do, too. Once you establish that your side has the balance
of power, the only time the opponents can end up declaring is
when you choose to hit them (bridge slang for a penalty
double).
...
“Do You Know?”
(From The Complete Book of Takeout Doubles by Michael
Lawrence)
Every one of the
following statements refers to the same well-known convention.
Can you identify it?
1. It is the
oldest in use today.
2. It is the
most misunderstood.
3. It has no
upper limit regarding strength.
4. It is the one
that is used most often.
5. It is not a
bid.
6. Partner must
respond without any points.
What is this
well-known convention? The takeout double.
How Do I Support Thee? Let Me Count the Ways
“Points, schmoints! Support with support.”
Marty Bergen
Do you know the
meaning of 1
– Dbl – 3?
Everyone agrees that responder promises good trump support.
However, many players believe responder is inviting game —
that 3
shows a limit (invitational) raise with 10–12 distribution
points. no, No, NO, that is not correct!
...
CHAPTER 9 -
COMPETITIVE BIDDING -
LIKE FOUR PEOPLE BOXING
67
