e-Vil Files 09
The DOUBLE is a tool that is very much underused, and when used, totally MISused. I intend to write much more about the basic takeout double, as well as our “Evil Double”, but for now I want to start with a typical deal where there is competition in the bidding.
Dealer N EW Vul
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K5The bidding at our table, in a match point session, was:
| South | West | North | East |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | 1 | 1 |
| X | 2 | X | Pass |
3 | 3 | Pass | Pass |
| X |
As you can see, this is a deal that is not uncommon, with both sides competing, the most likely result being 3S by East, down one, 100 to NS. But NS can make 3H, which scores +140, so EW have won the exchange. Not only that, nearly all EW pairs who bid to 3S will make, and score +140.
Let’s now discuss the bidding. South’s first double is what it should be: it shows 4+ hearts and 7+ HCP. That is how it was ever since the ‘Sputnik’ double came into existence in the 1950s. North’s double, the way we play it, is an “Evil” double, about which I will talk in due course. And, because this double has a specific meaning, South’s double of 3S can be done with more confidence. Many NS pairs who are aggressively inclined will not allow 3S to go undoubled, because they will realise that if they can make 3H their way, 3S down one will be a poor match point result, but if they can score +200 against 3S doubled, that will be a very good outcome. The double of a vulnerable part score resulting in +200 was once known and the “Kiss of Death”, for obvious reasons. But as you can see, the defence needs to be perfect, you might even say clairvoyant, to defeat 3S. That is where the “Evil double” would help considerably, since illicit communication between partners is frowned upon.
When you defeat the doubled 3S by leading the two of clubs, suspicious glances will be cast and many questions may be asked, either at the time or later. Replay this board by clicking here. In the next issue: The EVil Double.
