6.3 Negative Doubles
If we open a suit at the one-level, we use negative doubles through 4♦.
At the One Level
| Dbl |
Both majors |
| 1♥ |
4+ hearts, if 5 hearts, may have 4 spades |
| 1♠ |
4+ spades, if 5 spades, may have 4 hearts |
If you are 5-4 or better in the majors, you are usually better off to bid your five card suit.
| Dbl |
Shows 4 spades |
| 1♠ |
5+ spades |
| Dbl |
4 hearts, or longer hearts with less than 10 points |
| 2♥ |
5+ hearts, 10 or more points |
Above the one-level, negative doubles show enough values and length to make it reasonable to compete, but do not necessarily promise any given shape, just that you are prepared no matter what partner bids.
Responsive Doubles