fromageGB, on 2013-September-11, 11:21, said:
I double for takeout if it is, ie sitting under the NT. If partner bids ♣ I convert to ♦ and hence imply ♥. Don't fancy defending.
I can't imagine that many would play this double as takeout.
Why can't you hold a 10 or 11 count, relatively balanced? Kxxx Qxx Qx A10xx as one easy example. Was partner supposed to make a penalty double with his bland 13 count?
This notion about being under the notrump bidder makes no sense....it is nonsense....because partner, who opened the bidding and notionally rates to have the stronger of the defending hands, is over the notrumper.
In addition, if we do have our 10 or 11 hcp, 'under' and 'over' are not as important concepts as they usually are since dummy will have no high card entries.
As for what I would do, I think I would bid 2
♦ simply because with this hand and a likely spade lead from partner, we rate to be -120 or so, and it should be difficult for the opps to double us.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari