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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
Try it yourself
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