[goobers]

Say the auction is something like 1C - p - 1H - 1S, or 1D - 1S - (2H)

What would a double by opener be? By responder? Similarly, if opener passes, and responder bids a new suit at a lower level than original, what strength would that show?

Something like

1C - 1H - (1S)
p - 2D

or

1D - 1S - (2H)
p - 3C

Would you interpret the above 2 auctions any differently?

[jchiu]

All of these auctions are generally takeout. However, the main difference that I perceive between the first pair of auctions, and similarly for the second pair, is that the latter auction tends to show more values. Not surprising because they are one-level higher.

Auction one: 1♣ (Pass) 1♥ (1♠) :: Dbl

Nearly pure takeout, tends to show at most two spades, a sound opener (debatable whether this shows extras, and I prefer that it does not), and generally secondary heart support. Can be quite a good hand, though limit bidding principles apply to responder.

Auction two: 1♦ (Pass) 1♠ (2♥) :: Dbl

More competitive, but almost as takeout as the last one. It shows some extra values and secondary spade support, unless it is a very good hand. Once again, limit bidding principles apply to responder.

Auction three: 1♣ (Pass) 1♥ (1♠) :: Pass (Pass) 2♦ (Dbl)

I would expect roughly 6=3=1=3 distribution and a hand that is near the top of the 1♠ overcall range. It tends to have some defensive values, and not just a good spade suit with extra values (those hands bid 2♠).

Auction four: 1♦ (Pass) 1♠ (2♥) :: Pass (Pass) 3♣ (Dbl)

Same as above, except the doubler has both a more self-sufficient suit and more defense. Her partner is often endplayed into converting to penalty or retreating to 3♥ on mediocre hands.

[Apollo81]

Quote

1C - p - 1H - 1S - Dbl

If playing support doubles, double shows 3 hearts.
Otherwise double is penalty.

Quote

1D - p - 1S - 2H - Dbl

Same as above.

Quote

1C - p - 1H - 1S - p - p - Dbl

Values.

Quote

1D - p - 1S - 2H - p - p - Dbl

Values.

[Apollo81]

jchiu, on Apr 20 2007, 07:27 PM, said:

All of these auctions are generally takeout.

In North America Standard is still that double by opener after 1x-p-1y-(z) is penalty if not playing support doubles, not takeout.

[mr1303]

Really? What hand can make a penalty double at the 1 level, but couldn't open in that suit?

[jdonn]

mr1303, on Apr 21 2007, 02:33 PM, said:

Really? What hand can make a penalty double at the 1 level, but couldn't open in that suit?

He is right that penalty is technically standard, though pretty old fashioned and outdated if you ask me. It would be a hand with some extras, say 16+, and 4 cards in the suit. It doesn't mean you have them set in hand at the 1 level, since of course partner doesn't have to pass.