[Stephen Tu]

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In general I don't think any low level doubles should be "2+" trumps, it puts partner at a total guess whether it is takeout or penalty or just a random balanced hand like this that is a Q more than minimum. Doubles should be either 2-, takeout, or 4+ penalty IMO, never "2+". In this auction I think it should be penalty, and probably stronger. Arguably description should also say "takeout" or "penalty" on doubles describing their intention.

[m1cha]

Stephen Tu, on 2017-January-05, 13:24, said:

In general I don't think any low level doubles should be "2+" trumps, it puts partner at a total guess whether it is takeout or penalty or just a random balanced hand like this that is a Q more than minimum. Doubles should be either 2-, takeout, or 4+ penalty IMO, never "2+". In this auction I think it should be penalty, and probably stronger. Arguably description should also say "takeout" or "penalty" on doubles describing their intention.

I have always taken the "2+ trumps" as a synonym of "penalty double" and my robot partners usually seem to take it this way, too. I agree that "penalty double" would be a favorable description but perhaps it is not correct for some of the "2+ trumps" doubles. I have learnt that doubles are a difficult topic in GIB.

[jdonn]

Getting GIB to understand takeout vs. penalty (and never mind all the gradations in between) is not opening a can of worms, it is a planet of worms. Still it is a very important topic that I have high hopes will one day be addressed.