Balancing Double

Bid 'Em Up. Balancing situations arise as a result of our effort to force opponents to play every hand at 2 Spades or higher, especially with favorable vulnerability for us. Balancing Doubles are a form of Takeout Double, often used in the passout seat. (See Responses to Passed Hand Doubles. )

Balancing takes place in two forms: Balancing Doubles and Balancing Bids.

Balancing Double Situation: When opponents try to stop at low levels, a double in the pass out seat (the last person to bid) should be regarded as balancing and may not be a full takeout strength call, even if it is that hand's first opportunity to bid.

Strength Requirements for Balancing Double.

Any HCP range. Use depends on the prior bidding, vulnerability, etc. Always shows the suits not bid and guarantees 4 of any unbid majors if opponents bid a major; at least 4-3 if they bid only minors.

Examples of Balancing Doubles

N              E              S              W

1NT         P              P          Dbl <---

1©            P              1NT          P

P              Dbl <---

1©         1ª              1NT          P

2©         P              P          Dbl <---

P           3¨             . . .

1¨         P              1ª          P

2¨         P              P          Dbl <---

P            2©          . . .

Usage: Common; in fact, virtually mandatory for competitive play.   Not alertable.