Just when you thought you had a good understanding of modern doubles, partner comes up with this one:
Partner RHO You LHO
2H Pass
4H 4S
DBL
Did partner just discover some spades mixed in with his hearts? Or could there be a legitimate reason he might want to re-enter the auction?
This is what is popularly known as an “action double”. It’s a term that’s sometimes used to describe re-takeout and Do Something Intelligent doubles, but the more specific reference is to a double such as the one in the above auction.
This is not a penalty double. Partner is telling you he has the right hand for sacrificing at the 5-level but wants your opinion. If your raise to 4H was based on high-card strength and you think you can beat 4S, you can pass the double. If not, you should bid 5H.
You may
be able to figure partner for a defensive trick, but his main message is that he
has extra playing strength. He might hold
♠5
♥KQ10876
♦73
♣QJ83.
If you still think that partner has a death wish, you may be right about that, too. The action double can be wildly successful with the right type of hand and at the right vulnerability, but it’s still risky. The biggest drawback is that you can’t defend 4S undoubled, which may well be the best possible result for you, so using this double requires careful judgment. It’s not recommended for inexperienced players nor those who can’t tolerate an occasional zero.
Here’s a variation that offers more safety:
Partner RHO You LHO
3S Pass
4S 4NT * * (Two suits)
DBL
Partner is again showing an interest in sacrificing, but here, the message is essentially risk-free. The opponents aren’t going to pass 4NT doubled, so you won’t be forced into an either/or decision.
The classic action double is made by the preempter after his partner has shown support and when it’s likely (or obvious) that the opponents own the hand. There are also situations where partner might make a type of action double without knowing whether you have support.
You LHO Partner RHO
Pass Pass
4H 4S
Pass Pass DBL
Although partner’s 4H opener was
technically a preempt, he can have a wider range of hands opposite your passed
hand. His double says he has more defense than you might expect and he doesn’t
want to sell out to 4S. He might hold
♠9
♥AQJ109543
♦A
♣K103 .
Partner is promising some outside strength, so you can pass the double if you have defensive tricks or trump tricks or both. Your other alternative is bidding 5H, either because you believe you have enough strength to make it or because you’re so weak that you fear 4S will make.
Some action doubles are safer than others. You may decide that the riskier ones are too aggressive for your style, but it’s still a good idea to have some knowledge of how they work – especially if you have a partner who decides to try one out.
© 2024 Karen Walker