Posted 2009-June-04, 17:15
They show different hand types, not necessarily different strengths. The meaning of double then bid spades also depends on what partner bids. Let me assume that after the double partner bids 2NT lebensohl. I think the following are "standard":
Double then bid spades shows a strong but not gameforcing hand with 5+ spades. A typical hand to keep in mind could be AQJxxx x AQx KJ10. This is not a hand that is all about spades, and would be happy if partner passed 2HX.
A jump to 3S shows perhaps less highcard strength, but it shows a very good suit (often 7) and good playing strength. The kind of hand that makes game if partner is weak with just the right card or two. I think the hand you gave is a good example. It is really a single suiter (even though playing in diamonds can be right). It is too good for 2S yet if partner has a yarborough then you won't make game.
Double and jump to 4S is a similar kind of hand as the first but stronger. This is uncommon, but I would certainly bid AQJ10xx A AQx KQJ this way. A direct jump to 4S would be a hand that makes 4S opposite almost nothing, or even nothing and favorable splits.
and the result can be plotted on a graph.