This post builds on the knowledge learned in previous posts. Please read them first:
Introducing the Negative Double - Auctions showing SpadesResponding to a 1 Level Negative Double when RHO passesResponding to a Negative Double when RHO raises 1 level
Doubling to show ♥ is a slightly different auction than doubling to show ♠ at the 1 level. Here you COULD have 5 or more ♥ but because you need 10 or more HCP to bid a new suit at the 2 level you might not have the values to show your long suit.
BIDDING the suit (rather than Doubling) shows a FIFTH card in the suit (you could have more) and guarantees the values needed to bid at the level you are bidding at. Bidding a new suit at the 2 Level would still show 10 or more HCP. Bidding at the 3 Level would be a game forcing bid. Therefore, you must have an opening hand yourself!
DOUBLING (rather than bidding the suit) shows either only a FOUR card ♥ suit OR more length in the ♥ suit BUT lacking the values to bid at the level you must bid at. You are also supposed to have the unbid minor but as long as you have at least one other place to play in (either in NT or in the minor Partner opened) you are good. To make a Negative Double in this situation shows at least eight or more HCP since you are forcing Partner to the 2 level. (Some players play that Double in this situation still shows only six or more HCP but I think if you are new to this Double you should still keep it old school and have at least 8 HCP. You are just that much safer with the extra values.)
Negative Doubles to show ♥
Here is an auction:
Partner
Your Right Hand Opponent
You!
1♦
1♠
Double
Double here IS a Negative Double. This tells Partner you have ♥ and ♣ but as long as you have another place to play in no one really cares if you have ♣.
Here is a very similar auction:
Partner
Your Right Hand Opponent
You!
1♦
1♠
2♥
Bidding 2♥ also tells Partner you have ♥.
So what is the difference?
In the above auction, if you make a Negative Double to show ♥ you have either:
EXACTLY FOUR ♥
or
Five or more ♥ but less than 10 High Card Points
and along with that either ♣ or another spot to play in if Partner does not have a ♥ fit. (NT? Partner's minor? Ax extra long ♥ suit?)
So let's look at some hands:
Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalls 1♠. You can "Double" on the following hands:
♠92
♥AJ82
♦A4
♣KQ764
This is a "perfect" Negative Double. You have the other two suits. You have at least eight HCP. You have exactly four ♥.
♠92
♥AJ82
♦AQT4
♣864
This is maybe not the textbook definition of a Negative Double since you don't have the other minor but it is a Negative Double. You have at least eight HCP. You have exactly four ♥. If Partner thinks you have ♣ (since you do kinda promise them) and bids ♣ you can always go back to ♦. You should have a ♦ fit.
How about this hand?
♠KJ2
♥AJ82
♦J64
♣Q86
This is maybe not the textbook definition of a Negative Double since you don't have the other minor but it is a Negative Double. You have at least eight HCP. You have exactly four ♥. If Partner bids ♣ you have the values to bid 2NT to show 11 or 12 HCP and ♠ stoppers.
How about this hand?
♠92
♥AQT32
♦42
♣Q974
This is another example of a Negative Double. You have at least eight HCP. You want to bid. You do have five ♥ but you cannot bid 2♥ since you do not have enough values. You need 10 or more HCP to bid a new suit at the 2 level.
A similar hand:
♠92
♥AQT32
♦Q942
♣74
This is maybe not the textbook definition of a Negative Double since you don't have the other minor but it is a Negative Double. You have at least eight HCP. You have ♥ that you cannot bid because you do not have enough values. If Partner thinks you have ♣ (since you do kinda promise them) and bids ♣ you can always go back to ♦. You should have a ♦ fit.
So when would we NOT make this bid when we have ♥?
What if you held:
♠92
♥KJ82
♦84
♣87642
Here you have ♥ and ♣ but you do NOT have the values to respond. You need eight or more HCP to make a Negative Double in this situation. Just "Pass" with this hand.
Here's another hand that is tough. Remember Partner opened the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalled 1♠. You hold:
♠KJ92
♥KJ82
♦84
♣876
Here you DO have four ♥ and enough values to respond. You could make a Negative Double. The problem is that Partner MUST bid over the "Double" (or else your RHO is playing in 1♠ Doubled!) and Partner might not have four ♥. What is Partner supposed to do? They might have to support your ♣ suit. But you don't have ♣. Or ♦. You also don't have the values to bid 2NT over Partner's 2♣ response. You need 11 or 12 HCP to do that.
This is an occasion where you would NOT make a Negative Double.
You still want to bid. But you need to make another bid. 1NT in this case. That will show about 6 to 10 HCP with a balanced hand and ♠ stoppers. It would be nice to show your ♥ suit but you have the values for one bid and one bid only. Take the safe route and don't get your partnership into trouble.
Why play Negative Doubles?
The bonus with playing Negative Doubles is that now when Responder bids 2♥ they show at least FIVE ♥ PLUS at least 10 or more HCP. Opener can now support them with only three cards in the suit.
So let's look at some hands that illustrate this:
Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalls 1♠. Bid 2♥ on the following hand:
♠92
♥KQT82
♦A84
♣Q74
You have at least ten HCP and at least five ♥. 2♥ is still a FORCING bid. Opener must respond!
That's quite a bit of information. Let's practice! That might make things a bit more clear.
On the following hands Partner opened the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalled 1♠. It is your bid. What will you do?
Keep in mind that you do need values to bid.
Bid 2♥ if you have at least ten HCP and at least five ♥.
If you have at least eight HCP and at least four ♥ you can make a Negative Double IF you have a place to play other than in ♥! Remember Partner might not have a fit for your ♥ suit! You should have either:
A) the other minor (♣)
B) a fit for Opener's minor (♦)
C) the ability to play in at least 2NT (Partner will have to bid at least 2♣ so this is the lowest level possible you can rebid NT) so that means at least 11 or 12 HCP with stoppers in the Opponent's suit!
If you do not have an alternate place to play you might have to avoid telling Partner about your ♥ suit.
Here goes. Remember the auction was:
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