Penalty Double : Bridge Online
This is the double you make when you think your opponents will not make their contract.
Double of a notrump contract
If the opponents open 1NT a double by your side is for penalties. You should have 16+ points over a weak notrump and 18+ over a strong notrump. With less, you should either overcall with a good 5+ card suit or pass with an ordinary opening hand.
| ♠ KQJT9 | ||
| ♥ Q74 | ||
| ♦ AQ | ||
| ♣ AT3 |
| East | South | West | North | |
| 1NT | X | P | P | |
| P |
You have more points than the 1NT bidder so double for penalties
Double of high-level contracts
If the opponents have bid a suit that you have good trumps in at a fairly high level or it is obvious that the hand is a misfit then you can double for penalties.
| ♠ A32 | ||
| ♥ QJT9 | ||
| ♦ 983 | ||
| ♣ A73 |
| East | South | West | North | |
| 1♥ | P | 4♥ | P | |
| P | X |
You should make two aces and two trump tricks.
There is only one unbid suit
If there is only one unbid suit then a double by your side is penalties. You need lots of the opponent's trumps.
| ♠ A3 | ||
| ♥ KJT54 | ||
| ♦ 3 | ||
| ♣ K654 |
| West | North | East | South | |
| 1♠ | 2♦ | 2♥ | X |
Double is penalties here as clubs is the only unbid suit.
Double of an artificial bid
| ♠ Q74 | ||
| ♥ KQJT9 | ||
| ♦ 54 | ||
| ♣ AT3 |
| West | North | East | South | |
| 1NT | P | 2♥ | X |
2♥ is a transfer to spades. You have great hearts and a cheap way of showing them. Partner can bid 3 ♥ over 2♠ with heart support.