[precpj]

the bidding went 1H 2D Pass Pass X Pass Pass 3C X Pass ?

2/1 is the system played by the 1H opener and his partner.

Q: What is this second X by the 1H opener ?

Precpj

[JoAnneM]

In my opinion , since partner left the 2D bid in for penalty this double must also be for penalty. I think it must be "we are going to double whatever they bid" time.

[han]

Yep.

[P_Marlowe]

1H - (2D) - Pass - (Pass)
X - (Pass) - Pass (3C)
X - (Pass) - ...

The 2nd X is for penalty, but promises add.
strength.
The first said, hey partner I am short in diamonds,
have no 6 card heart suit / no real offensive hand,
typically 5431, 5332.
The 2nd double showes values in the suit and add.
strength, since partner did not promise anything
passing out 2D.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[skjaeran]

Clear penalty.

[precpj]

many thanks for the replies.

at the table the 1H opener was holding S AQXX H AKXXX D AKX C X
his partner ( me) with S XXXXX H XX D QJ9XX C X

In his shoes, I think a clear 2S bid would be my style . if I went along with the X, I would have to foce myself with a 3D cue which seemed to strongly imply a 4 cards spade with extra HCPs.

Precpj

[TylerE]

3♠ bid over the 2nd X is very clear. 2♠ over the first double nearly as clear.

[P_Marlowe]

TylerE, on Oct 9 2008, 05:28 PM, said:

3♠ bid over the 2nd X is very clear. 2♠ over the first double nearly as clear.

I agree.

Passing the reopening out is only an option,
if the reopening already promised add. strength,
which it does usually not.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[fred]

Perhaps the widely-held notion that 2-level overcalls should be based on long strong suits is overrated

Fred Gitelman
Bridge Base Inc.
www.bridgebase.com