By Peter Rhead
More examples of your Support Double after partner bids a major suit
Today we look at more examples of your second bid using, when possible, the convention Support Double. You are the opener with each of the following hands. What is your second bid when partner and opponents bid as described.
Case 1:
Spades xxx
Hearts void
Diamonds AKxx
Clubs AKQJxx
Case 1: With 19 points including two length points in this unbalanced hand, you open One Club. Partner bids One Spade. Your right-hand opponent bids Two Hearts. You now Double the Two Heart bid showing that you have exactly three-card support for your partner’s Spades. Partner cannot PASS your Double unless he has a fistful of Hearts to defeat the opponents for a better score. Therefore his next bid will give you a better idea of whether to play in Spades. After his bid you are the captain. You make the final decision. You consider slam bidding or you just bid game.
If right-hand opponent does not bid, you jump to Three Clubs to show extra strength and a six-card suit. Partner is now the captain and will place the contract.
Case 2:
Spades x
Hearts Axx
Diamonds AQxxx
Clubs AKxx
Case 2: You open One Diamond with your 18 points including one length point. Partner responds One Heart. You dearly want to show your three-card Heart support in case he has five Hearts for his bid. If right-hand opponent bids a suit or doubles, you show your three-card support with the convention Support Double. You just Double his suit or Redouble his Double.
If right-hand opponent stays out of the action, you must bid in response to partner’s new suit. Bid your standard agreements to show your strength.
Case 3:
Spades xxx
Hearts AQxxx
Diamonds KQxx
Clubs A
Case 3: With 16 points including one length point, you open this hand One Heart. Partner responds One Spade. Your right-hand opponent Doubles. You Redouble to show three-card support for Spades.
If right-hand opponent does not get into the action, you must bid normal agreements. If partner bids his major suit again, showing that he has more than four cards in the suit, you now can support partner directly.
For more information, check out “Support Doubles” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 More Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 107.
Next Week: When could your second bid use the convention “Reverse”?
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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