After Partner's Negative Double

After partner makes a negative double, what should opener do?

For one, he will rarely pass. Only after a high-level negative double such as: 

OpenerNorthEastSouth
 1♠ 4♠ Double Pass
??   

 the opener might leave it in (with a flat hand and nowhere to go) -- for example, 

♠ Q65  
♥ A76  
♦ AK32  
♣ 543.
 

Otherwise, opener bids naturally (pretty much as if he is rebidding after any other response). With extras, he jumps. With a flat hand (and a stopper in their suit), he bids notrump.

Example A

♠ 54  
♥ AQ76  
♦ AQ86  
♣ 542

After:

WestNorthEastOpener
    1♠
 1♠ DoublePass??

rebid 2♠ (this is not considered a reverse; it is like raising a response of 1♠ to 2♠).

Example B 

♠ 5 
♥ AQ76  
♦ AQJ62 
♣ Q42
 

After:

West North East  Opener
    1♠
 1♠ Double Pass ??

rebid 3♠ (this jump is invitational. similar to 1♠-1♠-3♠ by a partnership).

Example C 

♠ K42 
♥ AQ7 
♦ QJ62 
♣ J42
 

After:

WestNorthEastOpener
    1♠
 1♠ Double Pass ??

rebid 1NT to show a balanced 12-14, typically with spades stopped.

If opener's RHO acts, nothing changes. A "free bid" without jumping doesn't show extras. For example, Opener's 2♠ on the following auction can be bid with a minimum:

WestNorthEastOpener
    1♠
 1♠ Double 2♠ 2♠

However, if opener's 'free-bid' is on the 3-level, extras are needed. For example, opener's 3♠ below, shouldn't be made with a minimum:

WestNorthEastOpener
    1♠
 1♠ Double2♠3♠

You might also consider getting Larry's book on Doubles and Redoubles HERE or try Michael's Doubles Webinar which you can find HERE. 

  • What is opener's rebid (neither side vulnerable) with the hand and auction shown?

    ♠ K65  
    ♥ AQ2  
    ♦ 765  
    ♣ AKQ10

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     1♠ Double Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    1NT

    3. -

    1♠

    4. -

    2NT

    5. -

    3NT

    Answer: 4

    2NT. Balanced with spades stopped and the jump to show extra values (partner will know you have more than 15-17 by your failure to open 1NT). A jump to 3NT would be more of a "trick-taking" hand, such as:

    ♠ J  
    ♥ KQ  
    ♦ Q65  
    ♣ AKQ7654.
     

    Your result so far:
    Next

  • What is opener's rebid (neither side vulnerable) with the hand and auction shown?

    ♠ K65  
    ♥ AQ2  
    ♦ J65  
    ♣ QJ102

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     2♠ Double Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    2♠

    3. -

    2NT

    4. -

    3♠

    Answer: 3

    2NT. Natural, balanced with their suit stopped. Why is this different from question 1? This time 2NT is not a jump--it is a minimum rebid on the same level as their interference.

    Your result so far:
    Next

  • What is opener's rebid (neither side vulnerable) with the hand and auction shown?

    ♠ Q65  
    ♥ QJ2  
    ♦ A65  
    ♣ KQ102

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     4♠ Double Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    4♠

    3. -

    4NT

    4. -

    5♠

    5. -

    5♠

    Answer: 1

    Pass. On high levels, take out the double only with good shape (like a 2-suiter or a very long suit). At this level, partner is not even guaranteeing the other suits--so you can't bid a 3-or 4-card suit yourself. Just pass and hope to set them.

    Your result so far:
    Next

  • What is opener's rebid (neither side vulnerable) with the hand and auction shown?

    ♠ KQ65  
    ♥ 2  
    ♦ AQJ52 
    ♣ A102

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     3♠ Double Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    3NT

    5. -

    4♠

    6. -

    4♠

    Answer: 6

    4♠. Way too strong for only 3♠. Did partner guarantee four spades? No. But, if he doesn't have them, that's his problem. He has to be prepared for this bid. Likely, if he doesn't have four spades, he will retreat to 5♠. Is 4♠ a "closeout bid?"  No! It shows a very good hand. Partner can continue towards slam with the right hand.

    Your result so far:
    Next

  • What is opener's rebid (neither side vulnerable) with the hand and auction shown?

    ♠ 65  
    ♥ AKJ2  
    ♦ 2 
    ♣ AKQ1076

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     1♠ Double Pass ??
    Choose One:
    1. -

    2♠

    2. -

    2♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    3♠

    5. -

    4♠

    6. -

    4NT

    Answer: 5

    4♠. Too strong for only an invitational 3♠. This 4♠ bid shows about 19-20 points in playing strength (akin to 1♠-1♠-4♠). Partner will almost always have four hearts himself, but if he doesn't, he can go back to clubs.

    note: Yes, a cuebid of 2♠ would be acceptable, but it wasn't listed as a choice. :)

    Your result so far:
    Next

  • Neither side vulnerable, you are South. What is your call?

    ♠ K87  
    ♥ AJ76  
    ♦ KJ72  
    ♣ 43
     

    WestNorthEastSouth
        1♠
     1♠ Dbl  2♠ ?
    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    Double

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    4♠

    5. -

    Other

    Answer: 1

    Pass. You have a bare minimum opening. If your partner has enough value to compete to the 3-level, your partner will bid again. Bidding 3♠ would show a better hand than this. 

    Your result so far:
    Next