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Responsive Double


A responsive double is used after partner makes a takeout double. It occurs when:

  1. Your left-hand opponent ("LHO") opens a suit,
  2. Partner makes a takeout double, and
  3. Your right-hand opponent ("RHO") raises.

A double in this situation shows at least 4-4 shape in:

  • the major suits if the opponents bid a minor, or
  • the minor suits if the opponents bid a major.


Examples

A543
HQT98
D5
CQ652

LHO    
1D
Partner    
Double

RHO    
2
You    
Double 1

(1) A responsive double, showing both majors. Partner is asked to bid 2 or 2.


964
H52
DAQ53
CAJ84

LHO     
1H
Partner    
Double

RHO    
2
You    
Double 1

(1) A responsive double, showing both minors.


K964
H5
DKT53
CA984

LHO    
1H
Partner    
Double

RHO     
2H
You    
2S 1

(1) Do NOT make a responsive double if you can bid a 4-card major instead.


5
H543
DKJT65
CAKJT

LHO    
1S
Partner    
Double

RHO    
3S
You    
Double 1

(1) A responsive double, advertising both minors.


Responsive Doubles After an Overcall

Some pairs also play responsive doubles opposite an overcall:

K54
HT7
DAT73
CK652

LHO    
1S
Partner    
2H

RHO    
2
You    
Double 1

(1) A responsive double, denying heart support but promising both minors.


Other Considerations

In their excellent book "Modern Bridge Conventions", Bill Root and Richard Pavlicek suggest these HCP minimums for a responsive double:

  • 6+ points at the 2-level
  • 8+ points at the 3-level
  • 10+ points at the 4-level

They also suggest playing responsive doubles up to 4D, although many partnerships play them through 3S instead.


Origins

Root and Pavlicek attribute responsive doubles to American player Dr. F. Fielding-Reid.