LEARNING CENTER

Double. You didn't have enough to make a takeout double of 1 and now I want you to come in for a double of 2? Yes! Now that the auction has died in 2, you know that partner is A) going to have a fit with you somewhere, and B) holds a reasonable amount of points. It's safe to balance here and hopefully push your opponents to 3.

2NT. This isn't a natural bid, but rather a bid showing two places to play (presumed to be minors). If you double, partner is likely going to bid hearts--no good. Bidding 2NT will get you to a minor fit (partner picks between s and s). Sure, you could insist on clubs instead, but it's not a bad idea to get partner involved. You should still wind up in clubs if partner is equal-length in the minors as partner should bid 3.

Pass. I hate defending 1NT as much as the next person, but you need either a 6-card suit or a 2-suiter (5-4 or longer) to balance on this auction.

Double. The shape more than makes up for the lack of points. In balancing seat you could even double with a little less than this. 

Double. Allowing your opponents to play 2 isn't a winning strategy. Double keeps all of your options open. 

Double. You could bid 2, but when you have shortness in the opponent's suit you should stretch to double since your partner is often looking at a lot of diamonds. Notice a pattern in the answers? Doubling (particularly with shortness in the opponent's suit) is often a great balancing choice that players overlook. 

Double. This one means business (not takeout). You've shown your whole hand. Partner didn't choose to double so it's possible he would like to go higher, but your values speak to defense (not a lot of points in partner's suit and not a singleton or void in spades). Let's see how many we can set them.