Responding to a Negative Double which shows Hearts when RHO raises 1 level
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 levelNegative Doubles to show HeartsResponding to a Negative Double with Hearts RHO Passes
After your Partner makes a Negative Double, sometimes your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) raises their partner's overcall and you are no longer forced to bid. In an auction where Partner has shown four ♥ and you have four ♥ you still want to tell Partner. But now the level you respond at will change since your RHO took up a level. If the bid you wanted to make is lower than the bid your RHO made you might be wiser just to "Pass". Don't let the Opponents force you into making bids you don't want to make. "Pass"ing does NOT say you do not have a fit. "Pass"ing just says you have nothing to say right now. If Partner is strong they can always bid again.
Let's look at this auction:
YOU!
Your Left Hand Opponent
Partner
Your Right Hand Opponent
1♦
1♠
Double
2♠
???
and here is your hand:
♠92
♥KQJ2
♦KT84
♣A84
You want to compete. You have a ♥ fit. If the Opponents did not interfere and Partner had responded 1♥ you would have raised to 2♥. But you can no longer do that. RHO took that bid away from you. You must "Pass" and hope that Partner can bid again.
What if your hand was stronger? What do you do then?
With a VERY stong hand, say this one:
♠J9
♥AK82
♦AKT4
♣A84
just like before you can just go right to game. Bid 4♥. Partner is supposed to have at least 8 HCP to make the Negative Double. You have 19 HCP! That should be enough to make a game.
Remember you can add Dummy points to your hand even though you will be Declarer.
With a more medium type hand you can support Partner at the 3 level. Compete with 3♥ with a hand like this:
♠95
♥AK82
♦AKT84
♣84
That's quite a bit of information. Let's practice! That might make things a bit more clear.
On the following hands YOU opened the bidding 1♦. Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) overcalled 1♠. Partner doubled. You have agreed to play Negative Doubles and this is one! Partner has at least 8 HCP and at least four ♥. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) bids 2♠. It is your bid. What will you bid and what does that bid show?
So the auction was:
YOU!
Your Left Hand Opponent
Partner
Your Right Hand Opponent
1♦
1♠
Double
2♠
???
With a minimum opening hand just Pass. This just shows you have nothing to say right now. Don't let the Opponents force you into making a bid you did not want to make.
With a medium opening hand (and a fit!) bid 3♥. This should show a good 15 or 16 points.
With a maximum opening hand (and a fit!) bid 4♥. This should show at least 17 points. Partner has at least 8 remember.
(Remember to count Dummy points!)
Hand 1
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