Negative Double : Bridge Online
A double, particularly made at a low level, is normally takeout if there are 2 or more suits unbid. Negative double is the name given to a takeout double made by the responder.
| ♠ T82 | ||
| ♥ T763 | ||
| ♦ KT | ||
| ♣ KT76 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♦ | 1♠ | ? |
A negative double promises support for the unbid suits and shows a hand where you don't have a natural bid to make. It means that you can take part in the auction safely even with quite a weak hand.
Negative Double
1-level = 6-9 HCP
2-level = 8-11 HCP
You need 10 HCP or more to change suit at the 2-level and you can't support partner. You can't bid 1NT without a spade stopper. The solution is to make a negative double. The message to partner is that you have some points, but not enough to bid at the 2-level.
| ♠ 974 | ||
| ♥ QJ5 | ||
| ♦ AQJ432 | ||
| ♣ A | ||
| ♠ J6 | ♠ AKQ53 | |
| ♥ A42 | ♥ K98 | |
| ♦ 765 | ♦ 98 | |
| ♣ QJ932 | ♣ 854 | |
| ♠ T82 | ||
| ♥ T763 | ||
| ♦ KT | ||
| ♣ KT76 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♦ | 1♠ | X | P | |
| 2♦ | P | P | P |
On this hand, North simply repeats her diamonds and 2♦ becomes the final contract.
| ♠ J6 | ||
| ♥ KJ9863 | ||
| ♦ QT8 | ||
| ♣ 96 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♣ | 1♠ | ? |
This time you have just one suit but, again, you are not strong enough to bid at the 2-level. How can you show your hearts without partner expecting you to have a strong hand?
| ♠ A932 | ||
| ♥ A6 | ||
| ♦ 43 | ||
| ♣ A8754 | ||
| ♠ T4 | ♠ KQ875 | |
| ♥ T54 | ♥ Q2 | |
| ♦ AJ972 | ♦ K65 | |
| ♣ KJT | ♣ Q32 | |
| ♠ J6 | ||
| ♥ KJ9873 | ||
| ♦ QT8 | ||
| ♣ 96 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♣ | 1♠ | X | P | |
| 1NT | P | 2♥ | P | |
| P | P |
The solution is to make a negative double first to indicate your limited strength. Then, whatever partner bids, you can now bid hearts and partner will know not to get carried away.
Responses to Partner's Negative Double
Support one of partner's suits
| ♠ QJ | ||
| ♥ AJ85 | ||
| ♦ AQJ65 | ||
| ♣ 98 | ||
| ♠ | ♠ | |
| ♥ | ♥ | |
| ♦ | ♦ | |
| ♣ | ♣ | |
| ♠ T82 | ||
| ♥ T763 | ||
| ♦ KT | ||
| ♣ KT76 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♦ | 1♠ | X | P | |
| 2♥ | P | P | P |
Partner's double promised hearts so I know you have a fit.
Rebid notrumps
| ♠ KJ3 | ||
| ♥ AJ8 | ||
| ♦ AQJ65 | ||
| ♣ 98 | ||
| ♠ | ♠ | |
| ♥ | ♥ | |
| ♦ | ♦ | |
| ♣ | ♣ | |
| ♠ T82 | ||
| ♥ T763 | ||
| ♦ KT | ||
| ♣ KT76 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♦ | 1♠ | X | P | |
| 1NT |
You have a spade stop and a balanced hand. (The range of the 1NT will vary according to your system)
Rebid own suit
| ♠ 43 | ||
| ♥ AJ8 | ||
| ♦ AQJ652 | ||
| ♣ 98 | ||
| ♠ | ♠ | |
| ♥ | ♥ | |
| ♦ | ♦ | |
| ♣ | ♣ | |
| ♠ T82 | ||
| ♥ T763 | ||
| ♦ KT | ||
| ♣ KT76 |
| North | East | South | West | |
| 1♦ | 1♠ | X | P | |
| 2♦ |
Nothing better to do unfortunately.
Summary of Responses to Partner's Negative Double
• Support one of partner's suits
• Rebid notrumps
• Rebid own suit