[bluecalm]

What do you guys think of 5♣ bid with actual hand ?
I know values are slim but probably defense will be very cheap.

[ArtK78]

While a double on a pure penalty double is old-fashioned, it is still played by many good players (whether the Forum posters know them or not). But even among those who do not double with a pure penalty double, MikeH is correct - the double shows values which are valuable on both offense and defense.

The hand that doubled in this problem does not have defensive values - it is purely an offensive hand. At best it has very questionable defensive values. Perhaps the partnership was playing negative doubles through 4♥ or even higher. But everyone has to appreciate that the higher you get, the less likely the double will be taken out.

North has a serious problem over 4♥, and, unless he is 100% sure that partner is going to take out the double, the double is likely to produce a poor result. I would pass, and I would take out partner's reopening double to 4♠. But I am not happy about it.

[jdonn]

Why do people discuss double being a pure penalty double? If that's what it is we have the happiest pass ever so we might as well consider that it has the meaning that makes the problem interesting.