Bridge with Larry Cohen

After partner makes a negative double, what should opener do?

For one, he will rarely pass. Only after a high-level negative double such as:

Opener	North	East	South
1	4	Double	Pass
??

the opener might leave it in (with a flat hand and nowhere to go) -- for example,

Q65
A76
AK32
543.

Otherwise, opener bids naturally (pretty much as if he is rebidding after any other response). With extras, he jumps. With a flat hand (and a stopper in their suit), he bids notrump.

Example A

54
AQ76
AQ86
542

After:

West	North	East	Opener
			1
1	Double	Pass	??

rebid 2 (this is not considered a reverse; it is like raising a response of 1 to 2).

Example B

5
AQ76
AQJ62
Q42

After:

West	North	East	Opener
			1
1	Double	Pass	??

rebid 3 (this jump is invitational. similar to 1-1-3 by a partnership).

Example C

K42
AQ7
QJ62
J42

After:

West	North	East	Opener
			1
1	Double	Pass	??

rebid 1NT to show a balanced 12-14, typically with spades stopped.

If opener's RHO acts, nothing changes. A "free bid" without jumping doesn't show extras. For example, Opener's 2 on the following auction can be bid with a minimum:

West	North	East	Opener
			1
1	Double	2	2

However, if opener's 'free-bid' is on the 3-level, extras are needed. For example, opener's 3 below, shouldn't be made with a minimum:

West	North	East	Opener
			1
1	Double	2	3

You might also consider getting Larry's book on Doubles and Redoubles HERE or try Michael's Doubles Webinar which you can find HERE.

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