[xcurt]

Two hands, both XIMPs. LHO is a maniac.

1.Favorable, 4th seat, Jx, AT, AKQxx, AJxx

P-P-1S-x
1N-P-P-x
P-2H-P-?

Agree with the first two doubles?
What now?

2. The very next hand. Unfavorable, 3rd seat, KQ, Qx, AKJx, J96xx

P-1H-?

[rbforster]

1. 2♦ overcall initially, with sympathy for X (and pass hearts) or pass (and later 2N). I don't like X on the first when partner rates to bid hearts and I can't pull to NT.

2. Pass, and it seems pretty clear with partner as a PH

[jdonn]

1. The first double is arguable, but I think most of us would rather overcall. The second double is clearly terrible.
2. Easy pass.

[OleBerg]

1) 2♦ initially. Very clear.

2) 2♣. Very ugly, but pass wont solve my problems. Alternative is 1 NT.

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Hand two 2) fits my agreement with my regular partner - Transfer overcalls:

(1♥) - 1♠ = 15+ balanced, often contins a heart stopper. Rightsides NT, which is often the case.

[655321]

1. 2♦ initially, alternative is double then diamonds.

2. Pass, but would secretly like to overcall 1NT. However the combination of no real stopper, a KQ doubleton suit, very slow source of tricks, and partner being a passed hand persuade me to find the pass.

[helene_t]

To start with a dbl is always an option with 19 points, but it means you have to bid 3♦ if partner bids 2♥. Not sure if you want to to that on a 5-card suit. I would probably double nonetheless. BTW I wouldn't object to a 2NT overcall although I will probably be LOLed at for saying this.

The second double is terrible. It has become easier to bid this hand than expected since you can bid your diamonds at the 2-level. You can also pass.

2:: Pass or 2♣ or 1NT.

[Codo]

1. The first. double is okay, but when you think about the comming problems 2 ♦ is superior despite the 19 HCPS.
The second double will in 90 % of all cases lead to 2 HEart instead of 1 NT. I would not like to be in 2 Heart, I would like to beat 1 NT if possible.
Pass or 2 ♦ are possible, I would prefer to pass.

2. I would pass and wait. When I am lucky, they will stop at 2 of a major. In this case I can balance (prebalance) with 2 NT for the minors.

[hanp]

I think double followed by 2D describes the hand well.

[mtvesuvius]

1. Double was fine the first time... Awful the second time... At this point having bid this way I'll bid 3♦

2. Pass.

[Apollo81]

1) 2♦ was clearly better than the second double, for precisely the reason shown. Despite a possible 4-2 fit, I'd pass now. At least I won't be playing a 5-1 fit at the 3-level( probably doubled).

2) Pass for lack of other options. The hand has a lot of hcp, but little playing strength. I would balance if 2♥ were to be passed back to me.

[skjaeran]

1. Better bid 2♦ 1st (preferably) or 2nd time. Now it's more or less hopeless. The best is probably to pass and let partner do his best in 2♥ and apologize.

2. Easy pass.

[xcurt]

On the first, I got greedy and was seduced by the chances of nailing LHO, who was out there on all the hands, but got lucky and avoided the double most times. Agree the doubles were bad. In the event, we landed in 4Dx facing K9xx, xxxx, Jx, T9x, good play held the damage to -100.

I guess I have to own up on the second. I overcalled a steaming 1NT. Partner had no sense of humor, -800.

[benlessard]

Hand 1 i prefer 2D because doubling and rebidding 3D with only 5 is ugly. Also if partner pass 2D i think that you wont miss game too often. The 2nd double is a big blunder.

Hand 2 is a pass for me, but non-vul i think 1Nt is ok. I think 2C is terrible.