Three cards, said out loud.
After 1♦ · 1♥ · (1♠), opener's double* shows exactly three-card support for partner's major. A raise shows four. Pass or any other bid says no to three. A support redouble* does the same job after 1♣ · 1♠ · (X).
Bridge Unleashed · Workshop #16It's Raining
It's Raining
Doubles
Support · Responsive · Maximal · Jordan 2NT · Transfers.
When the opponents join the auction, a double stops meaning one thing. It can show exactly three-card support, ask partner to choose between two suits, or invite game when there is no room left. Jordan 2NT shows a limit raise or better. In this workshop you learn which call is which, and the one question that sorts them: who doubled, and what has partner already said?
$25 for both sessions. Included for VIP members.
It's Raining Doubles
Live lesson Wednesday, October 14, and Play of the Hand Monday, October 19, both at 3 PM Pacific.
The live lesson starts in
0Days00Hours00Minutes00Seconds
What you will learnThree doubles and a 2NT.
Three doubles and a 2NT.
One question sorts them.
Ask who doubled, and what partner has already said. That question answers most of the auctions in this workshop.
Partner, you pick.
After partner's takeout double, over a major raise your double* shows both minors, and over a minor raise both majors. Over a major raise, with four cards in the other major, bid it instead. Responsive doubles apply after partner's overcall too, with a different meaning we cover in the lesson.
The double that invites.
After you bid and raise a major, sometimes they bid the suit directly below yours at the three level, and no room is left for a game try. Then the double* is the try. Three of your major only competes. Four is game.
A limit raise, then something advanced.
When they double partner's 1♥ or 1♠, Jordan 2NT* shows four or more trumps and a limit raise or better. It is not game forcing. We finish with an advanced topic: a transfer system after a takeout double of a major opening.
* A star marks an artificial or conventional call; check your event's alert rules.
Before and afterWhat changes
What changes
at the table.
Before
You hold three-card support. A raise promises four, so you pass and hide the fit.
After
You double. Partner learns you have exactly three, and the fit comes out.
Before
They raise, and you guess which suit to bid at the three level.
After
You double to show two suits. Partner picks the better fit.
Before
Their bid takes away your game try, and you choose between competing and game blind.
After
You double to invite. Partner decides between three and four.
Before
They double partner's opening, and 2NT means whatever the table thinks it means.
After
2NT is Jordan. Partner knows you have four or more trumps and a limit raise or better, and can sign off in three.
Try two decisionsTwo auctions.
Two auctions.
Two decisions.
Look at the hand, choose a call, and see how the double reads.
The first is a support double. The second is Jordan 2NT.
1♦ · 1♥ · (1♠) · ?You are the opener
♠ A 10 9 ♥ 10 9 6 ♣ Q 10 6 ♦ A Q J 9 (13 HCP)
Your call
Choose a call to see what happens.
* An artificial call: the double shows exactly three-card support.
1♠ · (X) · ?You are the responder
♠ A 9 5 2 ♥ A 10 6 ♣ K 2 ♦ J 8 6 5 (12 HCP)
Your call
Choose a call to see what happens.
* An artificial call: 2NT is Jordan.
Inside the lessonTwo hours.
Two hours.
One part at a time.
The live lesson runs Wednesday, October 14, from 3 to 5 PM Pacific. Here is the order we take it in.
- Hour one · 3 PM Pacific
The family, then the first two doubles.
We open with the double family and a quick refresher on takeout and negative doubles. Then support doubles, with a quiz, and responsive doubles, after a double and after an overcall, with a quiz.
- Around the hour mark
A ten-minute break.
Stretch, refill, and bring an umbrella.
- Hour two · about 4 PM Pacific
Maximal, Jordan, and the advanced finale.
Maximal doubles, and when they are on or off. Then Jordan 2NT and the redouble. We finish with the advanced piece, transfers after a takeout double, and fill in the map of the doubles we covered.
Learn it. Then play it.
Bring both sides to the table.
Learn the family of doubles.
Join Tracey for the live lesson: what each double promises, how high it stays on, and how partner answers.
- Support doubles and the support redouble
- Responsive doubles, after a double and after an overcall
- Maximal doubles
- Jordan 2NT, then transfers after a takeout double (advanced)
Practice the decisions.
Return for Play of the Hand and put the doubles to work on real deals. Ask about the bid while the hand is in front of you.
Revisit the recordings afterward when you want another look.
Live lessonPlay of the HandSession recordingsWorkbookPBN practice hands
Recordings will follow the sessions. Workshop materials are being prepared for this event.
Before you join
A few practical things.
Who is this workshop for?
Beginner and intermediate duplicate players who have wondered what a double means when the opponents are bidding too. If you know a takeout double and a negative double, you are ready. We refresh both in the first part, and the last part, transfers after a takeout double, is marked advanced.
Do I need a partner?
No. You can join solo or with a partner. Doubles work best when both players agree on them, so we cover each one clearly enough to bring home and discuss before your next game.
What if I miss a live session?
Recordings of both sessions are included, so you can return to the lesson and Play of the Hand afterward.
What device do I need?
A laptop, desktop or iPad with a stable connection. Any of the three works fine for following along and using the practice materials.
Is this included in VIP?
Yes. VIP members have this workshop included in their membership. Everyone else joins for $25, covering both sessions.
Know which double
you are holding.
Learn the family of doubles, then come back and use them on real hands.
$25Register now
One ticket includes both sessions. Included for VIP members.