Negative Double

It's A Must. The most commonly used Double in Duplicate Bridge is the Negative Double. Virtually every Duplicate Player uses it. If you don't, you will still have to play against it, so know it well.

Negative Double

'Negative' means "I have the 2 unbid suits".

The negative double is a simple but powerful addition to every bidding system, and it should be adopted as soon as you start competitive bridge. It should be the first convention you adopt after Stayman and Blackwood.

A Negative Double Situation: After your partner opens and your opponent overcalls with one or two or three of a suit, a Double call by you is not for penalty, but means you have four of any unbid majors and some reason not to bid. (A reason could be the lack of a long suit).

Example Negative Double :

N              E                  S

1§        1ª         Dbl* . . . A Negative Double by South.

In this bidding, it means: "North, I have at least 4 Hearts and some points, but I can't bid 2©. Also, I can tolerate Diamonds if that's your second suit."

1ª        2¨          Dbl* . . . A Negative Double

In this bidding, it means: "North, I can't raise Spades but I have at least 4 Hearts and some points. Also, I can tolerate Clubs if that's your second suit."

In either of these examples, a 2© bid by South would show 5+ Hearts.

Negative Double With 4 vs. With 5 of a Major Suit - Negative Double with 4 and bid the major suit with 5 or more.

N              E                S           W

1§        1©         Dbl         South shows exactly 4 Hearts

1§        1©         1ª         South shows 5+ Spade cards

1§        P          1ª         Dbl .... This is not a Negative Double. It's a Takeout double, although it shows the same two red suits as:

1§        1ª         Dbl* . . . This is a Negative Double showing 4 Hearts and some Diamonds.

Example Negative Double Bidding Sequences

N         E          S          W

1§          1ª     Dbl     . . .

The classic Negative Double, saving the Heart suit for N/S.

                    1§         1©     Dbl     . . .

Holding 4 Spades and 8+ HCP. With 5 Spades, South should bid 1ª .

                    1§         1©     1ª . . .

Holding 5 Spades, not 4. Unlimited, forcing.

1¨          2ª     Dbl     . . .

Holding 4+ Hearts, but insufficient HCP or length to bid freely at the three level. At least 3 Clubs, too.

                    1§         3¨     Dbl     ...

Holding 4 of both majors, 9+ HCP.

                    1§         2© Dbl    ...

Holding 4 Spades and some points.

(c) Robert D. McConnell, 1998 All Rights Reserved