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rhm, on 2010-November-25, 03:38, said:
Everybody plays the first double as takeout, for which I would expect 5 cards in ♥ more often than not, and I at least consider it pretty normal. Whether 3♥, even when forcing, is a better bid can be argued. Partner is unlikely to have ♥. ♣ or notrump contracts look like more likely contenders.
But you can define the second double as you like. It is true, that if you have a takeout double over 2 ♠, you can hardly have a penalty double now. However, fact is, that over-caller's options will be severely restricted, since he passed already over 3♠. If you double a second time the most likely contract by far will be 3♠ doubled and this is the contract, for which you must be prepared for.
(As a side note give South one ♦ more instead of a black card and he might now bid 4♦ over the second double and you will end up playing in 5♣ doubled.)
I would expect that most people would define the second double as showing extra strength. Superficially North does have this. But those values must be convertible to defensive tricks. 4 queens do not necessarily add up to a single defensive trick and the club length actually subtracts from the defensive prospects his partner will hold. Give yourself 3 more cards in ♦ instead of in ♣ and I would still not double a second time, but many would.
Rainer Herrmann
But you can define the second double as you like. It is true, that if you have a takeout double over 2 ♠, you can hardly have a penalty double now. However, fact is, that over-caller's options will be severely restricted, since he passed already over 3♠. If you double a second time the most likely contract by far will be 3♠ doubled and this is the contract, for which you must be prepared for.
(As a side note give South one ♦ more instead of a black card and he might now bid 4♦ over the second double and you will end up playing in 5♣ doubled.)
I would expect that most people would define the second double as showing extra strength. Superficially North does have this. But those values must be convertible to defensive tricks. 4 queens do not necessarily add up to a single defensive trick and the club length actually subtracts from the defensive prospects his partner will hold. Give yourself 3 more cards in ♦ instead of in ♣ and I would still not double a second time, but many would.
Rainer Herrmann
I disagree strongly with your first comment. With 5 good hearts I think the initial double is a poor bid. There is no earthly reason why the doubler should have a good 5 card heart suit, so it seems to me you are giving up on the 5-3 heart fit.
