SOS Redouble
An SOS redouble occurs after your side's contract has been doubled for penalty. A redouble is "SOS", named for the distress calls made by ships at sea. It has the following characteristics:
- Support for at least two of the unbid suits (4+ cards each).
- Lack of support for partner's suit, if he has bid. This typically means a singleton or void.
Examples
|
2. Converting the double to penalties 3. SOS redouble, asking partner to bid another suit |
|
2. Converting to penalties 3. SOS, planning to correct to 2  if partner bids 2 |
|
2. Uh-oh 3. SOS |
The following example illustrates how opener can make an SOS redouble herself:
|
2. Doh 3. A redouble is compelling despite imperfect shape |
Other Considerations
How high to play SOS redoubles depends on partnership agreement. The SAYC bidding system advises playing SOS redoubles through the 3-level. Of bigger concern is when to play SOS redoubles. One of the worst things that can happen in an auction is hearing partner pass your SOS redouble. For instance, how about these redoubles?West 2 (1)Pass |
North 2  Redbl (3) |
East Double (2) |
South Pass |
|
|
1. Weak two 2. For penalty 3. SOS with 5-4-1-3 or 5-4-0-4 shape? Or for business? |
||||
West 1 Redbl (1) |
North 1  |
East 2 |
South Double |
|
|
1. SOS? Or showing extra strength or club length? |
||||
Whatever you decide, it's a good subject for partnership discussion. Some possible conditions when SOS redoubles are "off":
- You've been doubled in a known 8-card fit or longer. For example, the auction has begun
1 : 3. - You've been doubled in a no-trump contract. Redouble may be a conventional runout (example: Touching Escapes), or it may simply be for business.