Double is the Key
It should be easy to bid the EW hands to the correct contract of 3NT, but only IF EW know what a proper takeout double is and how it works.
Board 3 from Wednesday 28/08/2019
Dealer S EW Vul
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AKT63
A8
92
T976When West opens 1D and North overcalls 1S, there is only one way East can bid their hand, and that is DOUBLE. The double in this precise sequence should GUARANTEE at least four hearts and 7+ HCP, in other words, a hand good enough for West to play in 2H if West has four hearts, or otherwise West can rebid diamonds or clubs, or even 1NT, which would show the normal 15-16 Acol rebid. The take out double of a 1S overcall to show a heart suit is a necessary part of sensible bidding.
When East doubles North’s 1S overcall, West can either bid directly to 3NT ( a bit ambitious) or bid 2NT which East should raise to 3NT, but the final contract should be 3NT. Yet that was seldom the case. Of course, as is often the case, the correct contract still requires good declarer play, which was not the case the few times that 3NT was bid at our club. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
But this series is not about play. That will be covered in a chapter of “Declare and Defend”.
X-Clubs is soon to begin a new series in which all players can take part. Watch this space!
