Jinksy, on 2017-May-14, 04:10, said:
MrAce, on 2017-May-14, 04:56, said:
I'd have never overcalled 2♣ to start with.
Another BBO Forum moment.
I agree with Mr. Ace.
I thought that it pays handsome dividends to make the cheapest bid available to accurately describe one's hand. And in my mind, a takeout double of 1♦ is the cheapest bid to describe that hand. To me, a takeout double promises 1) a hand close to opening values 2) shortness in the opposition's suit and 3) a minimum of 3, preferably 4 cards in the unbid suits. I do not recall a takeout double promising location and placement of HCP. It promises opening hand values and shape features.
You have 13 points, a
♦ doubleton and at least 3 card support in all 3 unbid suits. Sure, we would like 4 cards in the majors, but that is not required (but preferred). We don't get to choose our hands, our hands choose us. We are on the 1 level of bidding, so we can afford to "mix it up a little". Further, partner has passed 1st round so he should not get wildly excited about jumping with a major response and a potentially active bid board.
In my mind, takeout double is much cheaper than a 2
♣ overcall. It gives me a chance for me to cheaply collect some intelligence from my partner without putting the partnership assets in significant jeopardy.