Matchpoints. N-S vulnerable.
♠6 ♥A J 10 ♦K Q 10 9 4 3 ♣A Q 4
| West | North | East | South |
| 1♣ | Pass | 1♠ | 2♦ |
| 2♠ | Pass | Pass | ? |
What’s Your Call?
| 2NT | ||||
| 3♣ | 3♦ | 3♥ | 3♠ | 3NT |
| 4♣ | 4♦ | 4♥ | 4♠ | 4NT |
| 5♣ | 5♦ | 5♥ | 5♠ | 5NT |
| 6♣ | 6♦ | 6♥ | 6♠ | 6NT |
| 7♣ | 7♦ | 7♥ | 7♠ | 7NT |
| Dbl | Pass |
It’s a classic
The panel is almost unanimous. Double shows support for the other suits and a good hand — perfect.
“This is a classic double,” says Sanborn. “We can’t let them play 2♠ — it’s against my beliefs.”
“I’m predicting a unanimous panel,” says Walker.
“Can’t imagine letting them play 2♠,” says Meckstroth. “Over double, partner can bid 2NT if he’s not sure where to play it.”
“I’m guessing that everyone will choose double,” says Stack. “Seems perfect in terms of shape, high-card points and playing strength.
“We have extras, so why let them play 2♠?” ask the Coopers. “If partner passes, we will be delighted.”
“This is a near-textbook example of double,” says Cohen. “I expect 100% agreement from my fellow panelists — maybe even the computer this time if he has been properly programmed.”
Sorry. The computer chooses to pass.
“The third straight hand where I have to ask, ‘What’s the problem?’” says Falk. “Nothing else comes close.”
“Double should be close to 100%,” says Lawrence.
“We really don’t understand why this is a problem,” say the Gordons.
“We have just what partner should expect for double,” say the Sutherlins.
One human panelist chooses not to double.
“3♦,” says Colchamiro. “At first I thought double was automatic — good hand, short spades — but what would I do over partner’s 3♣? Let him play in a 4–3 fit instead of a 6–2 diamond fit? And if partner bids 3♥, now what? I choose the pedestrian 3♦ which will play opposite a singleton. Maybe they will compete to 3♠ and I can consider doubling then.”
When you have support for all unbid suits and a good hand, use the red card.
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