[ArcLight]

1♥ P P 2♣
2♥ X

In modern bidding, is X Penalty or Negative?

The X hand held ♥ K Q J 9 7

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How do you bid this?

Scoring: IMP

You deal and open what?

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A] What do you Open?

1♣ - 1♠
2♥ - 2NT
???

B] What do you bid now?

[rbforster]

I disagree. If you already had a chance to make a takeout double of a suit, double at your second opportunity is logically penalty.

On the second question, this is a 2 loser hand. As such, you might want to open it a strong 2C if your style permits. Alternatively, if you like to go with a one level opening, I'd go with 1C...2H, followed up with 3H (promising 5H/6C, C longer) and probably 4C over 3N showing 7/5 shape.

[FrancesHinden]

1. This is one of those ones you just have to agree. I play it as take-out where we've discussed it.

2. I bid 3H over 2NT unless I'm frightened partner might pass, in which case I bid 4H over 2NT.

[skjaeran]

Undiscussed, this double is penalty.
I'm used to playing it as penalty, but can see the arguments for playing it as t/o.

I open the 2nd hand 1♣. Agree with Frances to rebid 3♥ if sure this is forcing, else 4♥.

[ralph23]

1. Double must be penalty without prior agreement otherwise; I can see the argument for making it t/o but would never assume this without prior discussion.

2. 3♥.

[ArtK78]

1. Absent an agreement to the contrary, double is for penalties. What else would you do on a hand where you had a penalty double of 1♥ and were hoping that partner would reopen with a double?

2. [A] 1♣

[B] 3♥. If partner bids 3♠ or 3NT, I will bid 4♣.

[whereagles]

1. Robson/Segal:

1♥ pass pass 2♣
2♥ dbl = take out

1♥ pass 1NT pass
2♥ dbl = penalty

Go figure.. lol.

2. I never have hands like this, so I'll open whatever crosses my mind.