[asbell]

I understand that programming bots isn't easy. But getting the *first* bid right shouldn't be this hard.

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[msheald]

I agree that robot doubles tend to be poor

This double appears to be a "big hand double," that is, overcaller with 17+ points and a good to excellent suit. Unfortunately, the robot doubler does not have a good to excellent hand. Perhaps robot is programmed to see a big hand double in this case as the least problematic of possible bids?

As a result, the double itself may be fine, IMO; however, leaving the response at 4H is not appropriate. The trouble is, the double does not leave any place to go. Doubler should assume partner will bid hearts since he has a singleton. "Hoping" for a 4 diamond or 4 club response so that double can go to 5 of a minor is a big risk itself and a big hand double with a minor response would automatically force a minor game, so why not go there automatically? Perhaps hoping to ask for key cards as the next bid? But that would automatically force slam in a minor?

So, maybe a 3NT overcall bid instead of a big hand double would be better? I'd probably do that since I hate playing minor games. However, any bid is risky after the 3 spades opening bid - so that bid is excellent.

For my own education, I'm curious to see what others would bid over 3 spades since this layout is something to expect in F2F games. Best regards. Mike

[benellis58]

Mike, your comment proves that you are a much better bidder than the GIBBO robots. 3NT makes a lot more sense than the ridiculous double.