BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WITH your side vulnerable, what would you bid? THERE are two important things to learn about a double of a 1nt contract. these are firstly that the doubler should hold at least the maximum number of points held by opener (in this case 14), and secondly that the double is intended primarily for penalties, which means that the doubler’s partner should pass — unless he thinks there is something better or wiser to do.

on the hand above you have seven points and two tens to add to your partner’s known 14 points. You don’t mind which suit he leads, as you can help with all of them, and you know that you have, between you, the balance of points, and that therefore, West is very unlikely to be able to make his contract, whilst you and north have no guarantee of making a better score, if you take out the double.

it is a hand tailor-made for a pass.