Reaching the best contract is easier when you have the right
tools. Take a look at a hand that swung a match.
Scoring: Teams (IMPs)
Hand #37
Dlr
E
Vul
E/W
1032
9
AQ76
K9852
AQ76
10654
943
73
KJ985
83
KJ102
A10
4
AKQJ72
85
QJ64
West
North
East
South
1
2
2
DBL*
Pass
4
All Pass
*Responsive double
BIDDING: In a local Swiss Team event, the first three bids
were the same at both tables. Next, my partner in the North seat
made a responsive double showing the other two suits and enough values
to bid at the three level. I realized our club fit gave us a good
chance for ten tricks and since my suit was so strong, I bid game in
hearts. At the other table, North was stuck for a bid and
eventually passed.
PLAY: West led ace
and another spade and I quickly wrapped up eleven tricks losing only to
the two black aces. (A diamond shift at trick two would prevent
the overtrick.) Our teammates at the other table took nine tricks
in their spade partial. The two scores of +450 and +140 meant 11
IMPs for our team and we went on to win the match.
The responsive double is a cousin to the negative double. The
negative double is used over interference when your side opens the
auction. The responsive double is available when an opponent
opens in a suit and is raised by his partner. I recommend you
research this convention and add it to your card.
