Double of an Artificial Bid "Bells Are Ringing" by Marti Ronemus

Today we're going to talk about something new: The double of an artificial bid.

When you hold the suit the opponents bid artificially, you should be reminded of Judy Holliday's 1956 hit, "Bells Are Ringing." The bells in your head should stimulate your brain cells to take advantage of this opportunity.

Usually (but not always) the double of an artificial bid invites a lead in that suit. Now, if you want your Pard to lead a suit, you better have some goodies in that suit, right? Let's take a look at some examples.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 9 6
♥ A 3 2
♦ 5 4
♣ K J 10 8 4 3

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1 No-trump	Pass	2♣
?

A: Double: This is perfect. We have length in the suit and would welcome a lead. You should be hearing bells.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ 9 6
♥ A 3 2
♦ 5 4
♣ Q 9 8 5 4 3

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1 No-trump	Pass	2♣
?

A: Pass: Well, you've got nice length in the suit, but do you really want a lead of that suit? I didn't think so.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 8 4
♥ J 9 7 3
♦ 9 6 5 4
♣ K Q J

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1♠	Pass	3♠
Pass	4 No-trump*	Pass	5♣
?

*Blackwood asking for Aces

A: Double: Pard is going to be on lead. We want to help him figure out what to lead and where our points are. Don't miss this chance.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 8 4 3
♥ 7 3
♦ A Q J 9 5
♣ K J 4

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1 No-trump	Pass	2♦*
?

*Transfer to Hearts

A: Double: PARD is going to be on lead, right? NOW is when you double the artificial transfer bid for a lead. NOW!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 9
♥ A J 10 8 3
♦ 9 6
♣ K Q J 10 4

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1 No-trump	Pass	2♥*
Dbl	2♠	Pass	Pass
?

And now a final hard one...
*Transfer to Spades

A: 3♣: Your double showed your Hearts. Now you're showing a second suit. Pard will know to pick one. You've got a GREAT shape and that should help the contract. Also East, by passing, has shown weakness. You'll know where all the points are too. Ring that bell!!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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