The lead directing double (LDD) is used to help your partner make the correct opening lead. It is a double by you to show the suit (typically artificial) just bid. At other times, it could be a double of the final contract for a specific lead. Here are the most common uses:
(1) The opponents make an artificial bid (Stayman, Jacoby)
MINIMUM requirements for a two- or three-level LDD after an opponent has opened 1NT or 2NT are: a FIVE-card suit headed by at least three of the top five honors (KJ10xx, AKJxx, etc.) or a SIX-card suit headed by at least two of the top four honors (AJxxxx, KQxxxx). WARNING! Do not make two or three level LDDs with five- or six-card suits that are not headed by the top honors or with shorter suits that are headed by the top honors.
Examples of LDD of Stayman and Jacoby:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1NT Pass 2
Double
South holds:
J 8 7
7 6
J 4
A Q 10 8 7 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
2NT Pass 3
Double
South holds:
4
Q 4 3 2
8 7 6
K Q J 10 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1NT Pass 2
* Double *=Jacoby Transfer
South holds:
4 3
K 4 3
A K J 10 8
J 3 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
2NT Pass 3
* Double *=Jacoby Transfer
South holds:
3
K Q 10 8 6
J 7 6 5 4
J 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In each case South is making a “PENALTY” double showing both length and strength in the doubled suit.
2) The opponents respond to Blackwood
When the opponents are in a Blackwood sequence (again using artificial responses), you may be able to direct partner's lead with a well-timed LDD.
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1
Pass 2
Pass
3
Pass 4
Pass
4NT Pass 5
??
South holds:
6 5
J 9 8 6 4 2
3 2
K Q 10
South should double to say he wants a club lead against a potential spade contract. For a double of a high-level artificial bid you don’t have to follow the stricter requirements for lower-level LDD. It is virtually impossible that your opponents will be able to make, nonetheless play, in 5
X in the above mentioned sequence.
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1
Pass 3
Pass
4NT Pass 5
??
South holds:
K Q J
3 2
Q 9 8 5 4 2
4 3
Even though you have a six-card diamond suit, you wouldn’t double to request a diamond lead. Let’s say the auction continues:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1
Pass 3
Pass
4NT Pass 5
Pass
5NT Pass 6
Pass
6
Pass Pass Pass
If your partner was paying close attention, there is a good chance he will lead a spade, making you happy for once. You didn’t double diamonds or clubs for the lead, so there is a negative inference available. Be aware not only of a LDD by your partner, but failure to make them.
3) The opponents have used 4th suit forcing.
South holds:
A Q 4 3 2
5 3
6 5 4
A K J
NORTH SOUTH
1
1
2
??
If you were South, what would you rebid? 2
and 3
are out. Neither rebid is forcing and both show SIX-card suits. You cannot raise to 3
(not forcing) or jump to 4
because raising a SECOND suit promises FOUR cards. In addition, a jump to 4
bypasses 3NT, a possible contract.Bidding notrump yourself with that diamond holding does not look too healthy,so what is left? Right. Bidding the fourth suit. The correct rebid is 2
!
As it is VERY common for responder to use the fourth suit TO CREATE A FORCE, the fourth suit is considered to be artificial. Therefore, a double of the 4th suit is a LDD. To double an artificial 4th-suit bid on the 2-level, you have to be careful. The opponents have enough for game and can easily redouble to make you pay. Try to have at least a 5-card suit with 2 of the top 3 honors. Doubling a 3-level 4th-suit GF bid, requires a little bit less, but is still dangerous.
If you would like to learn more about Doubles, you'll find them in Larry's book: Larry Teaches Doubles
BMS WEBINAR ON DOUBLES
Updated: September 2020