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Negative doubles
The negative double is an artificial bid used by responder when they don't have enough
points to bid higher that the opponents intervening bid.
Negative Double Definition
A bid which encourages partner to keep bidding. Essentially saying Partner Ive got some points but I can't bid over the oppositions intervening bids. It Indicates 10 HCPA negative double is very different in purpose from the other forms of Double.
A negative double promises support for the unbid suits and shows a hand where you don't have a natural bid to make. You can take part in the bidding even with quite a weak hand. To change suit at the 2-level You need 10+ points, and you need a stop in the opposition suit to bid 1NT. The solution is to make a negative double. The message to partner is that you have some points, some cards in the unbid suits, but not enough strength to bid independently at the 2 level.
This bid is used by agreement within partnerships.
The Bidding Sequence to make a Negative Double
| Opener Bids | Opponent Overcalls | You Bid | Opponent Bids |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1C | 1S | 'X' negative double | Pass |
The opening bid may be in any position even a passed hand but it must be one of a
suit (not a notrump bid). The opposition bid must be in a natural right up to the level of 4.
Point Range for making a Negative Double
The minimum points is usually 7 or more. Many partnerships agree that with 10+ points you would be free
to make other bids so usually the maximum partners agree on is 10 points or can depend on your
partnership agreement
Your right-hand opponent opens 1♣. What is your bid?
Your Hand
- ♠ K Q J 10
- ♥ K J 6
- ♦ Q 8 3 2
- ♣ J 7
13+ TP, support for all unbid suits. Double "X" and then you will pass whatever your partner bids.
Remember partner may have as few as 0 points as they are forced to bid in the absence of any
intervening bid
Extra for Experts
A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.
PLAY