How many types of doubles are there in bridge?

Double is a very important call in bridge but it does has a variety of possible meanings depending upon its use. There are two basic kinds of doubles.... (1) informative but generally for takeout and (2) penalty or business.

What is double in bridge game?

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.

What is the big double in bridge?

It can sometimes be confusing to know what it means when you double and then bid again. This shows the "big double" (approximately worth 17/18+). Such an auction shows a "big" hand, but not too big, because partner can pass.

What is the difference between a takeout double and a penalty double?

A typical treatment is that a double up to the level of 4♥ is takeout, while doubles on higher levels are for penalties or "cooperative" (i.e. the partner is supposed to pass unless his distribution and/or strength indicates that playing a contract of their own on a higher level is a better prospect).

How many points is an overcall in bridge?

The Standard English definition of an overcall is: A 5-card or longer suit that is worth bidding, which contains two or more honours. A minimum of about 8 points for a one level bid and a maximum of around 16 points. There is usually a better bid available with stronger hands.

Doubles

What is a negative double in bridge?

The negative double is a form of takeout double in bridge. It is made by the responder after his right-hand opponent overcalls on the first round of bidding, and is used to show shortness in overcall's suit, support for the unbid suits with emphasis on majors, as well as some values.

Is a takeout double a forcing bid?

When your partner makes a takeout double, he is forcing you to bid. You must not pass the takeout double, no matter how horrible your hand. The usual strategy is to bid your longest suit (other than the suit the opponent bid). After you bid 2 , partner is expected to pass.

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 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.

What is a Sputnik bid in bridge?

The negative double (aka "Sputnik") is a conventional double used by responder after opener starts the bidding with one-of-a-suit and the next player makes a suit overcall. The double always promises 6+ points and, depending on the auction, at least four cards in at least one of the unbid suits.

Can you double 1NT?

The Double of 1NT and how to get out of it What do we need to double? To double a 1NT opening bid we need to have more points than the 1NT bidder. The double of 1NT is intended as primarily a penalty double and partner is usually expected to leave it and not take-out.

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 is a mirror double in bridge?

That famous line uttered by the wicked queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves goes through my head every time I hear players talking about "mirror doubles" that are used by (mainly club) players to fend off the opponents' intrusion into their auction after their partner's strong 1 NT (15-17 high-card points) opening ...

How do you double bid 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 is a takeout double in bridge?

In addition, a takeout double is made on most hands with 16+ points, regardless of distribution. This is a typical minimum takeout double hand.

What is a reopening double?

A Reopening Double is a double that can be bid by anyone, but is primarily associated with the opening bidder. A Reopening double occurs when you have either the maximum for your initial bid or a better hand than partner expects you might hold AND the opponents have competed in the auction.

How do I respond to Jacoby transfer?

Opener can super-accept the transfer by bidding three of the major with a maximum hand containing at least four cards in that major.

How many points do you need to reverse in bridge?

Depending on the bidding system, a reverse by opener usually shows a minimum of 16 points or a five-loser hand and at least five cards in the first bid suit.

How do you bid a Stayman in bridge?

Stayman is a bidding convention in the card game contract bridge. It is used by a partnership to find a 4-4 or 5-3 trump fit in a major suit after making a one notrump (1NT) opening bid and it has been adapted for use after a 2NT opening, a 1NT overcall, and many other natural notrump bids.

What is a balancing overcall in bridge?

This type of balancing bid is made in the pass-out seat after an opponent has opened the bidding (1 of a suit on your left, Pass, Pass, to you). In these situations, it's often a good idea to stretch to keep the auction alive.

Can you bid 2 clubs as an overcall?

Make sure you know the difference between an overcall of 2 Clubs and an opening bid of “2 Clubs” (meaning 21+ points and having nothing to do with clubs -- you may or may not have good clubs when you open with “2 Clubs”). You must have good clubs to overcall in that suit.

Are transfers on after a 1NT overcall?

Transfers are used opposite a 1NT overcall in exactly the same way, but adjusted for points (all bids can be made with 3 points less – assuming the overcall is 15 – 17).

Can you overcall 2NT in bridge?

A 2NT overcall after a one-level opening is indeed the "Unusual Notrump" for the two lowest unbid suits. But a 2NT overcall after the opponents' weak two-bid is anything but Unusual. It is natural and balanced. It guarantees a stopper in the opponent's suit.