Source: justinlall.com
One of the biggest problems of modern science is giving the opponents the chance to double (or not double) artificial bids. However, since the doubles give us extra bidding room we should be well versed in turning the tables on the opponents. These opportunities come in four categories: stoppers, competitive bidding, slam bidding, and Stayman. I’ll discuss each:
In stopper ask auctions often you cannot diagnose when both players have a half stopper and sometimes you cannot rightside the contract. These issues are easily solved when they make a lead directing double. Suppose the auction goes
1
-(2
)-3
-(P)-3-(X)
Now a redouble by responder shows the ace so opener can bid 3N with Qx and rightside the hand. Responder can pass with an unremarkable hand which gives opener the chance to redouble with a partial stop. This requires discussion, but common sense dictates that both sides should not be redoubling with the ace. Here if opener had the ace he’d bid 3N himself to try and rightside opposite responder’s possible Qx. Finally if opener XXs responder bids 3N with a partial stop himself (think Qx and Jxx). This is a little tricky, but well worth the effort.
Next are competitive auctions. For Instance,
(1
)-1-(P)-2-(X)
Most experts play 2 is weak and pass is a little stronger. In my opinion a superior distinction is between offensive and defensive minimums. This prepares for a 3 level decision. So with 5332 or (gasp!) a 4 card overall, pass, and with 5431 or 6322 bid. Of course use your judgment based on honor location as well. With extra values you have a lot more bids you can make (like XX for starters, which most people have not defined).
In Slam bidding sequences when they double your cuebid going back to your suit is definitely the weakest action. Redoubling shows a first round control. That may seem strange, but you don’t want to redouble with a second round control only to find out your partner has one as well! You should often pass to show interest and see if partner can redouble (first round control since he’s already cuebid the suit) or not, but you may want to cuebid yourself lest you never get the chance.
When they double Stayman the main issues become club stoppers and rightsiding. Remember if opener has no club stopper, responder is the right side.
Here is my favorite structure:
1N-(2)-X-
P- No stopper. Then responder XXs as restayman, and opener responds with the major he doesn’t have (remember who the rightside is!). If opener has no major he responds 2 as usual. If responder does not redouble he’s showing a garbage stayman hand type.
XX- Business, at least 4 very good clubs.
Other bids- Normal Stayman responses and promise a club stop.
As you can see, there are many ways to fight back against these doubles. Sometimes they direct the killing lead, but sometimes they help us find the best contract. If you know how to handle these situations, they’ll probably start doubling less!