Competitive decisions can be some of the hardest we face in bidding. Unfortunately, most opponents are no longer content to let us have the auction all to ourselves. That means that you face competitive auctions much more frequently than constructive ones.
Some good guidelines:
- Prioritize finding a major fit--if you have a choice of doubling to show an opening hand and the other suits or bidding hearts/spades to show a five-card suit, try to show the major.
- Don't paint yourself into a corner--if you have the wrong shape for a takeout double don't force it or you might have to do something unpleasant later.
- Pass doesn't mean that you don't have a good hand--auctions rarely end after you've taken one call. You'll likely get a chance later.
You are South and you hold:
AKJ94
43
J32
K65
EW Vulnerable
West
|
North
(Partner)
|
East
|
South
(You)
|
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | ? |
Pass
Double
1NT
2NT
3NT
You are South and you hold:
76
AQ5
KQ632
KJ4
None Vulnerable
West
|
North
(Partner)
|
East
|
South
(You)
|
---|---|---|---|
|
|
1
|
?
|
What is your call?
Pass
Double
1NT
2
Other
You are South and you hold:
54
543
AQJ109
AK3
North-South Vul
West
|
North
(Partner)
|
East
|
South
(You)
|
---|---|---|---|
|
Pass
|
1
|
?
|
What is your call?
Pass
Double
1NT
2
Other
No one is vulnerable. You are South and you hold:
5
A7
KQ532
K8432
West
|
North
(Partner)
|
East
|
South
(You)
|
---|---|---|---|
|
2
|
3
|
?
|
What is your call?
Pass
Double
3NT
4
4
You are South and you hold:
KQ54
982
AQJ5
Q3
All Vul
West
|
North
(Partner)
|
East
|
South
(You)
|
---|---|---|---|
|
|
1
|
?
|
What is your call?
Pass
Double
1
1NT
2