How do you know when to double in bridge?

The most common takeout double is after an opponent's opening bid of one of a suit where the double shows a hand with opening values, support for all three unbid suits (at least three cards in each) and shortness in the suit doubled (preferably, no more than two).

When should you double for penalty in bridge?

The Penalty Double of a Suit Bid

Make a penalty double if: You think the opponents have overbid or stolen your contract. You have honours and length in the opponents suit (and good points) and think you could defeat their contract by at least two tricks. An opponent opens 1NT (you would need 16+ points)

When should you overcall a bridge?

In contract bridge, an overcall is a bid made after an opening bid has been made by an opponent; the term refers only to the first such bid.

How do you use doubles in bridge?

When the last positive bid was made by an opponent, either player may make the call of double. If this is immediately followed by three passes, the contract is played doubled. The number of tricks required for the contract is not affected, but if the contract is defeated the defending side will score additional points.

How many points do you need for a takeout double in bridge?

Requirements for a Takeout Double:

At least opening strength (13 points). 2. At least 3-card support for every unbid suit. With 4-card support for every unbid suit, you may have slightly less than opening strength.

How To Know When To Double - Weekly Free #284 - Online Bridge Tournament

How many points do you need to overcall 1NT?

To bid 1NT as an overcall, you should have 15-18 (or 19) points, balanced with a stopper in the suit opened.

What does a 2 diamond bid mean in bridge?

Multi coloured 2 diamonds, or simply Multi, is a contract bridge convention whereby the opening bid of 2♦ shows several possible types of hands. These always include a weak-two bid in a major suit; the additional meaning may be a strong balanced hand (commonly 20-21 high card points), or a 20-22 three suiter.

Can you overcall a 1NT opening?

Two-Suited Overcalls.

The best time to overcall a 1NT opening is with a two-suited hand (at least 5-4 in the two suits). With a two-suited hand, there is an excellent chance of having a fit with partner, but lousy prospects for defending against 1NT.

What are the different doubles in bridge?

There are two basic kinds of doubles.... (1) informative but generally for takeout and (2) penalty or business. Each informative (or takeout) double provides some specific information thus enabling the doubler to add something constructive to the auction.

What does double mean in the game of bridge?

Double (X) is the most versatile and flexible bid in bridge. It's used more and more these days at all levels. When the opponents have started the bidding (making the auction competitive), double gives you a new bid. It doesn't take up any bidding room, and works well when other bids are not practical.

Can you bid Stayman after a 1NT overcall?

If 1NT is overcalled, responder can cue-bid the opponent's suit to ask for a 4-card major. If the opponents have overcalled in one major, a cue-bid asks partner for the other major. Opener can rebid 3 , if that bid is available, to deny a 4-card major; otherwise, he rebids 3NT.

Can you transfer after a 1NT overcall?

2NT invitational and 3NT bids, without using Stayman or transfers, in advancing a 1NT overcall, may made with 1 point less. E.g., Partner overcalled 1NT after a 1♦ opening bid; you hold: You would invite game using 2NT with 8 HE; had Partner opened 1NT you would pass.

What does a 2NT overcall mean?

A 2NT overcall is artificial, showing the two lowest unbid suits (at least 5-5 shape). There is no point minimum, although obvious factors like vulnerability should be considered. See also the Michaels cuebid, a complementary convention for showing 5-5 hands, and Unusual vs. Unusual, a defense to the Unusual 2NT.

What is the rule of 17 in bridge?

Rule of 17: If your partner opens with a preempt bid, add the number of your own high card points plus the number of your partners bid suit that you hold. If the sum is 17 or more, bid game in partner's suit.

How do you respond to 1NT doubled?

Responses After 1NT Doubled

a) with a weak hand and any 5-card (or more) suit, re-double. Opener must bid 2♣, and responder then leaves or converts to the relevant 5-card suit. b) with a two suited weak hand (equal length), responder bids the lower of the suits.

What is the rule of 9 in bridge?

Rule of 9.

It works like this: add the numeric value of the opponent's contract to the number of trumps held in that suit and if the result equals 9 (or more), then that player should double for penalty. If the result is 8 or fewer, then the defender should pass or bid.

How do you answer a takeout double in bridge?

You should jump to 2, a bid that is invitational. Partner can pass if he has a minimum takeout double. If he has 13 points and you have 10, that's not enough for game. If he has extra, he can bid again.

Can I double my partner in bridge?

Partner doubles the opening 1NT and the next hand bids 2♣ or 2♦. We may only have 9 points but we must make a penalty double. Expecting partner to have at least 16 points, our side has 25 to the opponents 15. The contract should go down.

When should you not use a Stayman?

RULE: Do not use Stayman when you have a 4-3-3-3 hand. We are programmed to always want to play a hand in a major when we have an 8 card fit. We can draw trump and still have one trump left in declarer's hand and one in dummy.

Is Stayman off after interference?

Normal systems like transfers and Stayman are off. A double is for penalties. Because your partner has made a bid that narrowly defines his hand, a double should show a hand with a good holding in the opponent's suit, normally 4 trumps and 9+ points. (Should be alerted!)

Can you overcall 1NT with a singleton?

I found a clear definition for what a NATURAL 1NT opening or overcall is, to wit: " A NT opening bid or overcall that contains no voids, no more than one singleton, which must be an ace, king, or queen, and that does not contain 10 or more cards in two suits combined."

What does 2 clubs mean in Stayman?

Using Stayman means that you cannot play in a contract of Two Clubs once partner opens One No Trump but this loss is regarded as worthwhile because it might allow you to find a better contract in a major suit.

What does 2C mean in bridge?

2C is a strong Artificial Opening. Being Artificial means that it has nothing to do with clubs. (Stayman is artificial, for example, as is Gerber). Any hand that has 21+ HCP opens 2C (except for 21-22 HCP with a balanced hand, which opens 2NT).

How do I become a better bridge player?

The BIG TWO things that I believe are the most important qualities that a good bridge player possesses are: a. CONCENTRATION: Focus on the business at hand, don't be distracted, remember the bidding, remember cards played, remember opponents body language, gather all possible information.