KISS 1: Do Not Double Automatically

Keep it simple, stupid! A well known concept. It is one of my favourite bridge principles.

In a previous article I talked about the double and how its useful for showing major(s). Despite that, I want to discuss a guiding principle I regularly think about

Only double if you seriously do not have a better alternative. 

In other words, 

• KISS and bid something sensible and straight forward. 
• Only double if you have no other good choice.
• Don't do Nebulous doubles (Nebulous is a word that means "vague or ill-defined").

Example 1. 

I've seen experienced players go wrong in this type of position all the time. Just simply bid 1♠, it shows four or more spades. Don't do a nebulous double which will lead your partner to having no idea which suit you hold. 4-3 in the majors is  not a reason to do a double. Just simply bid your suit.

Example 2. 

Your opponents open 2♦ as an artificial bid showing 6 cards in one of the majors, what do you bid? 

Recently I saw this hand come up where the player doubled. There are two good options here, 2NT is probably the best option, showing about 16-18 points (very good 15 as well is acceptable). The second option is 2♥, showing 5 cards in the suit and enough points to respond. As mentioned I prefer 2NT because it more accurately defines the point range, and the hand is balanced with scattered values, so it looks suitable for no trump. 

I really do not like double as a bid on this hand, it doesn't let partner know all that much about your hand. 

Briefly, lets discuss when double is appropriate after a multi. Double should be a hand that

• Is 13-15 (or a very good 12)
• Is balanced or reasonably balanced, including 4441
• Does not have a better bid available 

For example

This looks like double is the most appropriate bid. Passing seems a bit meek with 13 points, so a its a good idea to bid. But you don't have a decent 5 card suit to bid, or any other alternative. So you just show your assortment of points by doubling. Partner should visualise a 12-15 point hand for your bid.

However, lets look at this hand.

Here 2♥ is a better bid. Keep it simple. You have a well textured 5 card suit, just simply bid it. 

What about this hand?

Here double is more appropriate than bidding your fairly anemic diamond suit on the three level. Treat this as just a nothing-interesting 12-15 assortment. 

Lets move back to doubles on the 1 level that players get wrong all the time.

With 5-4 in the majors, its almost always a good idea to just simply bid your 5 card major, especially on the 1 level. If you do not bid your 5 card suit and instead say you start with a double, you will lose the ability to show your 5th spade. Doubling will result in regularly missing 5-3 major fits. Furthermore, you will often get another opportunity to bid your hearts. 

Like almost every bridge rule, there are exceptions, this is one where many experts would double instead of bidding their 5 card major.

The reason is the big disparity in strength. The spade suit is pretty bad, and the heart suit is great. I would say even in this example there is risk associated with not bidding 1♠. Again you may miss a 5-3 fit. The importance of well textured suits is a subject for a future article. 

What about this slightly different context?

Your opponent has made your life very difficult by starting the bidding all the way on the four level. Unfortunately you don't have the luxury of space to just bid your 5 card major. Instead a double is considered to be more normal. 

Lets go back to the 1 level.

Some people see both the unbid suits and get tempted to double. Its generally a bad idea with a 5 card major, you will lose your 5-3 major fits which are your most likely game contracts. This deserves a rule

Doubling is typically a bad idea when you have a 5 card major, rather just KISS and bid the suit. 

More to come on the KISS series, and on doubles (and not-doubles).

Where to next

• -> Next: KISS 2: Consider Passing More Often
• -> Related: Bidding Basics: Build a Clear Auction Plan
• -> Back to Bidding Articles Hub