[Free]

Clear Dbl, pass was forcing and I don't see 3NT making... It ofcourse depends on what a double from partner would show: support or penalty hand. I think this hand belongs in 2♥ doubled for a few down

[Winstonm]

IMO there are interesting points to this sequence.

First, due to the nature of the 2/1 as game force, partner should be relieved from being forced to hold extra values for subsequent bids in competition, meaning 2S and 3D need to be expressed now before the auction is elevated by lurker to 4H.
3C should be a 5/5 or 6/5 hand.

That leaves pass, double, and 2NT open.

When opponents' err in judgement in 2/1 auctions there should be a penalty, therefore double here is best used to show a willingness to penalize, based on decent heart length or position of honors - KJ10 I would think would be sufficient if the hand has other quick tricks available.

Pass should be reserved for a hand with no clear direction, a 5332 or 5422 pattern or possible 6322 with weak spades.

2N should imply a diamond tolerance and a stop.

Once these meanings are in place, reopener's further bidding is better clarified.

IMO, double by reopener should be a suggestion to accept a small penalty in lieu of a speculative game - if opener is somewhat balanced with his pass and balancer has no clear cut action then perhaps +300 is a reasonable target. Balancer's double IMO should not be penatly due to the poorly placed location of honors in front of overcaller.

With the hand in question I would double, as this expresses concern over a suitable game contract being reached and emphasizes the defensive holdings in the minors.

Winston

BTW, IMO there is little value in support doubles in this auction. SD is used to distinguish 7-card fits from 8-card fits when responder's length is uncertain - in 2/1 there should be little need for this treatment.

[whereagles]

Dbl seems clear.. shows extras, clubs and heart shortage. All of which I have

[lekkle]

DBL seems very clear.

Regards .

lekkle