[Chamaco]

Another question on Canapè Major-first (limited) openings.

How do they affect the use of negative doubles ?

We know that the primary use of neg.X is to find a side 4 major, but in Canapè/Mafia style, the 4M is usually known from the start.
Therefore, this implication must have some effects on the use of negative doubles.

I'd like to know more about that from Canapè Mafia aficionados :-)

Thanks all ! :-)

[hrothgar]

I'd like to start with a quick question:
How do you treat a double in the auction 1♠ - (2♥) - X?

I've played three different styles of doubles over canape or majors first systems.

1. Pure penalty doubles
2. Cooperative penalty doubles ala Simon
3. Negative doubles

I think that all three methods are playable and I'm usually content to play whatever partner wants. With this said and done, I prefer to play Negative doubles in a strong field. Negative doubles are a very useful tool during any competitive auction, regardless of opening style. Negative doubles also are a ig winner based on frequency. You just don't get dealt the right hands for penalty doubles of cooperative penalty doubles.

In a weaker field, I like cooperative penalty doubles. Lots of bad players like to overcall on crap. Some good players get used to overcalling on crap because they believe that we can't punish them.

[mike777]

Chamaco, on Oct 19 2005, 06:25 AM, said:

Another question on Canapè Major-first (limited) openings.

How do they affect the use of negative doubles ?

We know that the primary use of neg.X is to find a side 4 major, but in Canapè/Mafia style, the 4M is usually known from the start.
Therefore, this implication must have some effects on the use of negative doubles.

I'd like to know more about that from Canapè Mafia aficionados :-)

Thanks all ! :-)

I cannot speak for Mafia but in my Canape your opening one bid promises 2 suits 100% so think of the negative x as a search for the second promised and very often (80%?) longer unknown suit.

[luke warm]

mauro, what does 'canape major first' mean? if you have 5 hearts and 4 diamonds, do you open hearts or diamonds?

as far as the neg double goes, i agree with mike that it's either a probe for promised(!!) 2nd suit *or* it's game force (this is known if responder bids over opener)