There is no more important convention in bridge. A negative double is made by East in this auction:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 of a suit | Any Suit Overcall | Double |
Only the partner of the opening bidder can make a Negative Double.
What does it show? Enough to respond (the higher the level, the more the requirements). On the 1-level, it can be made with as few of 6 points. There is no upper limit. A negative double can be made with 20 or more points!
It shows the "other suits" with the focus on the other major. There are 2 specific auctions where the Negative Double comes with guarantees:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Double |
This Negative Double guarantees both majors (at least 4 and at least 4).
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 (or 1) | 1 | Double |
This Negative Double (after a 1 overcall) guarantees exactly 4 (not 3, not 5). A 1 bid would guarantee 5 or more spades.
At a higher level, you might make a negative double with less perfect shape but no clear bid.
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 (or 1) | 3 | Double |
This auction guarantees at least 10+ points, but not necessarily 4 spades.
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1?
AQ76
K32
32
J765
Pass
Double
1
Club Raise
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1?
AQ76
K32
32
J765
Pass
Double
1
1NT
Other
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1?
AQJ1076
8732
A
A5
Pass
Double
1
2
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 3?
AQ76
K32
32
A765
Pass
Double
3
3NT
Club raise
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1?
63
A
QJ976
J7652
Pass
Double
2
2
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 3?
KQ5
98
AQ104
Q987
Pass
Double
3NT
4
5
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1. What is your call after RHO overcalls 2?
AJ43
K5
J10752
98
Pass
Double
2
3