Usage
Using the modern negative double convention, it is understood that a double over an initial overcall is conventional, and not for penalties (but see Playing for penalties). For example, using this convention, the following doubles would be regarded as negative, not for penalty:
- 1♣ – (1♦) – Dbl
- 1m – (1M) – Dbl
- 1♥ – (1♠) – Dbl
- 1M – (2m) – Dbl
In understandings regarding negative doubles, the emphasis is on major suit lengths. This is largely due to the special value that tournament play, especially the pairs game, places on major suits. Since the mid-1980s, the negative double has been used mainly to stand in for a bid in an unbid major suit.
Most partnerships using the negative double agree that it applies only through a particular level of overcall. For example, they may agree that the double of an overcall through 3♠ is negative, and that beyond 3♠ a double is for penalties.
At rubber bridge many players are reluctant to give up the penalty double of an overcall, and so do not use the double as conventional.
Read more about this topic: Negative Double
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