6.4 Competing over the Opponents’ 1NT OpenerAfter we make a takeout double of the opening bid, or an overcall of the opening bid, and the opponents raise (through 4♦), we play that double shows a choice of places to play. It isn’t any weaker or stronger than bidding a suit, the message is that you are offering a choice.
For example:
| They | We | They | We |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♠ | Dbl | 2♠ | Dbl |
This hand probably doesn’t have 5 hearts, because it would know where to play! However, it has at least 4 cards in any two of the three unbid suits.
| They | We | They | We |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♠ | 2♦ | 2♠ | Dbl |
Shows hearts and clubs.
| They | We | They | We |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♦ | Dbl | 1♠ | Dbl |
Although many play that this shows 4 hearts, we play that it shows spades, a penalty double. Otherwise, a crafty opponent can freeze you out of your best major-suit fit!
| They | We | They | We |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♦ | 1♠ | 2♣ | Dbl |
Clubs, not a takeout double when there is only one unbid suit!
The same agreements exist if we overcall or make a takeout double of a weak two bid, but not if they preempt at the three-level, and raise to the four-level.
| 6.3 Negative Doubles |
6.4 Competing over the Opponents’ 1NT Opener |