[SimonFa]

I am rereading Bridge, Probability & Information by Robert F MacKinnon in the forlorn hope that some of it will stick in the heat of battle.

NS Vul, IMPS, West deals.

However this question isn't about probability but a hand he uses as an example to describe the concept of vacant places (p68 in my version) in figuring out the play for the ♣Q.

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P 1♦ 1♠ X
2♥ X 3♥ 3NT
4♠ P P 5♣
All pass

What is South's double showing? Sitting North I would be expecting 4 Hearts and some clubs, probably with hearts being the stronger suit. I appreciate South has a good hand and can show this by bidding on after the double but isn't she in danger of misleading partner about the Heart holding?

Thanks in advance,

Simon

PS Apologies for the poor format of the bidding but I couldn't figure how to put bidding in the diagram when not using all 52 cards and you can't use spaces as padding.

[robkat]

South's double is a normal negative double except for the missing 4th heart. The alternatives are not so appealing so it is acceptable IMO. I would choose 2S showing limit raise or better of diamonds.

North's double is far worse. I see no point to an obscure double; just bid 3C. Double should be penalty. 2NT good/bad is also available to distinguish the strength of the 3C bid.

[gwnn]

2♠ is perfectly fine, no need to be a genius on hands like this.

[Zelandakh]

How old is the book? The older style for negative doubles was simply for any hand that was not suitably covered by another call - hence the term negative. In more modern times this particular double has come to specifically show hearts. I would personally not double on this hand, most likely bidding either 2C or 2S depending on system.

[bigbenvic]

Is there anything wrong with 3nt as a first bid for South? It was my first thought, 14 points, spades stopped, balanced hand, diamond fit if partner isn't balanced...