Balancing Double : Bridge Online

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It pays to play the hands rather than defend at a low level. Don't let your opponents play at the 2-level if they have a fit. If they have an 8-card fit then you probably do too. A balancing double is an attempt to play the hand, or push your opponents 1-level higher.

	♠ Q432
	♥ T72
	♦ 762
	♣ AQ9
♠ 876		♠ A5
♥ J86		♥ AKQ95
♦ AK95		♦ 843
♣ 654		♣ JT7
	♠ KJT9
	♥ 43
	♦ QJT
	♣ K832

East	South	West	North
1♥	P	2♥	P
P	X	P	2♠
P	P	P

EW have stopped at the 2-level, so the points are probably evenly divided between the two partnerships. If South doesn't bid, the auction will die and the final contract will be 2♥, a poor result for NS who can make 2♠. South should double for partner to bid.

Double is nearly always takeout, if there is more than one unbid suit. North will not expect an opening hand as South has passed already. If East bids 3♥, that will be a great result for NS. Don't spoil it by bidding 3S! - you have already pushed EW too high.

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