Negative Doubles
1) A NEGATIVE DOUBLE only occurs when partner opens the bidding with one of a suit and RHO overcalls in a suit. (Not No Trumps).
2) The double shows support for the two unbid suits.
3) The double should always promise 4 card support for the unbid major.
4) A negative double of a one level overcall promises at least 6 points.
5) A negative double of a two level bid promises at least 8 points.
6) The negative double is a form of takeout double by responder. It is not for penalties.
NB. A NEGATIVE DOUBLE is a responder's bid used to find a 4-4 fit. If responder bids a suit it shows a 5 CARD SUIT.
What is the double is showing.
iC (IS) X is really saying" Partner, I would have called Hearts without the overcall.
e.g. Partner 0/C You
1C orD 1H X Shows 4 Spades, bidding 1 Spade shows 5
1H 1S X Shows 4/4 in the minors
1C 1D X Shows 4/4 in the majors
iC (IS) X is really saying" Partner, I would have called Hearts without the overcall.
e.g. Partner 0/C You
1C orD 1H X Shows 4 Spades, bidding 1 Spade shows 5
1H 1S X Shows 4/4 in the minors
1C 1D X Shows 4/4 in the majors
If the auction has progressed to the 2 level
e.g. 1D (2C) X is promising both majors and at least 8 Points.
RESPONDING to a negative double is fairly straightforward.
Bid your hand as if your partner had bid the suit implied by the double.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TAKE OUT DOUBLES AND NEGATIVE DOUBLES
| TAKEOUT DOUBLES | NEGATIVE DOUBLES |
| Opponents open the bidding. | Partner opens the bidding |
| Overcalling partner makes a double of opener's suit. | Responding partner makes a double of the overcalling opponent's suit. |
| Doubler typically has an opening hand. | Responder may only have 6 points. |
| Support for the 3 unbid suits. | Support primarily for unbid major. |
| Shortness in opener's suit. | May be balanced. |
