Responsive Double  

Situation: Fourth hand hears "bid - bid - raise" meaning his LHO has opened, partner has doubled or overcalled, opener's partner has raised opener, and fourth hand can't raise partner's suit, but has a bid coming somewhere.

N	E	S	W
1©	Dbl	2©	Dbl*	A responsive double by West.

Our Style. As we play it, a responsive double occurs only after a takeout double or overcall and a raise of opener by third hand. Others play it without a raise by third seat.

It says:

"Partner, I heard your takeout double or overcall, but the other opponent raised his partner. They are trying to steal this hand because I have points. I can support any other suit you want to bid - you pick it. Oh - and also I don't have four of any unbid majors."

N	E	S	W
1§	Dbl	2§	Dbl*		A responsive double by West.

 

Overcalls Too. A responsive double also works after an overcall by your partner:

"Partner, I heard your overcall, but the other opponent raised his partner. They are trying to steal this hand because I have points. I can't support your suit, but pick another one and you'll be happy with my hand as dummy".

N	E	S	W
1§	1ª	2§	Dbl*	A responsive double by West

 In this situation, it says "East, Spades aren't good for me, but you'll like either red suit -- pick your best one".

 

N	E	S	W
1© P	Dbl 3§	2©  . . .	Dbl*	"No Spades, East, bid your longest suit". "OK, should be a fit, West"

1§	1©	2§	Dbl*	The responsive double by West. "East; choose Spades or Diamonds".
P	2ª	. . .		"Spades it is, West".

Usage: Rare. Not used by many bidders, as the situation doesn't come up very often. Alertable.

Strength: Our Responsive Double HCP range is 8+ with majors and somewhat better with minors.