Negative Double

• Bridge Conventions (List)

This is an offensive bid that shows the unbid suits, rather like a takeout double by the defenders. Double of a major usually promises at least 4 of the unbid 2nd major and at least tolerance for the unbid minors. Some play that a double after a minor shows 4 of both majors. The direct bid of a major after opps bid the other one therefore shows 5 or more in the suit. A partnership therefore may distinguish between 4 and 5+ card suits.

The number of points required to make a negative double vary, but the most common standard is 8 HCP (or a very good 7 HCP).

              S: xx              H: Ax              D: xxxxx              C: KTxx S: Qxxx                     S: x H: J10xx                    H: KQxx D: JTxx                     D: AKQx C: Ax                       C: Qxx              S: AJTxxx              H: xxx              D: x              C: QJ  W        N       E        S           P       1C       1S X        P       2H       2S 3H       P/O 

A bidding convention is an agreement between two players on a different meaning of a bid in the card game bridge. These agreements are made so that partners can more quickly determine which contract, with both their cards, they can win together. Often, conventions are forged together into one, which is then called a bidding system.

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