Two-level Negative Doubles by David Bird

A: Double. You are somewhat light for a double at this level, but it should be safe to escape into 3♦ if partner does not have a spade fit. If your minor suits were switched, you would probably pass.

Your result so far:

A: Double. There is no need to bid no-trump immediately. Start with a double and you may find a heart fit.

If partner rebid his spades, he is likely to have 6 cards there, and your best contract may be in that suit.

Your result so far:

A: Double. It is very popular to overcall 2♣ over a 1♦ opening because this removes so much bidding space from the responder. On this hand, it causes no problem. You hold both the majors and can enter with a negative double.

When you have enough points to bid and 4-3 or 4-2 shape in the majors, life may be more awkward. You may have to start with a double anyway, since you cannot bid 2♥ or 2♠ on a 4-card suit.

Your result so far:

A: Double. Although you have a good 5-card spade suit, you are not strong enough to bid 2♠. This is generally played as a forcing response (unless you are a passed hand), and you could easily get too high.

The answer is to start with a negative double, hoping that you can bid 2♠ next time. Partner will know that you did not have enough to bid a direct 2♠ and will continue (or pass) accordingly.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. Occasionally, as responder, you will wish you were playing old-fashioned penalty doubles. Here, you would happily have doubled for penalties.

On such hands, you now have to pass. If the next player passes too, and your partner is short in clubs, he is very likely to make a re-opening double. He will suspect that you are waiting in ambush over the club bidder.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. Your shape is fine for a negative double, but you do not quite have enough strength at this level. You would be carrying the bidding to the three-level and might get too high.

Your result so far: