Negative Doubles
Minimum HCP
| Overcall Level | Example | Points Needed |
| One Level | 1C – (1S) | 6+ |
| Two of a minor | 1D – (2C) | 8+ |
| Two of a major | 1D – (2H) | 8+ |
| Three Level | 1H – (3D) | 10+ |
| Four Level | 1S – (4C) | 12+ |
The upper limit for a negative double is unlimited.
These Doubles Aren’t Negative
- When the opponents overcall in NT.
- When the opponents make a cue bid, like Michaels.
In these cases, double shows general strength, around 10 HCP or greater.
Specific Situations
- After 1C – (1D), the double promises both major(s).
- After 1C – (1H), a double shows exactly 4 spades, while a 1S bid shows 5 spades.
- After 1H – (1S), a double promises both minor(s) .
- After 1D – (2C), a double promises one major(s).
- After 1H – (2C), the double promises spades but says nothing about diamonds.
After Partner Makes a Negative Double
- Answering in the Promised Suit
o Bidding the indicated suit at the cheapest level shows a minimal opener. Sometimes when no other call is suitable opener has to bid this with as few as 3 cards in the suit.
o Jumps in the promised suit invite a game.
- Rebidding Notrump
o Rebids in NT at the appropriate level promise a stopper in the overcall suit.
- Rebidding Opened Suit
o Minimum rebid in opened suit may be done with as few as 5 cards in the suit.
- Bidding a New suit
o Bidding a new lower ranking suit is non-forcing. (But responder shouldn’t pass with 9+ HCP)
o Bidding a new higher-ranking suit is a reverse. (Example: 1C – (1S) – X – (P) – 2D)
- Cuebid
o A cuebid of the overcall suit is forcing (usually to game).
- Converting the Negative Double to Penalty
o The lower the level, the more this should be based on trump quality.
o At higher levels, opener is more likely to convert based on general strength.
Reopening Doubles
- When you play negative doubles you lose the ability to make a direct penalty double of their overcall.
- With a hand that wants to penalize their overcall, responder has to pass and wait for his partner to reopen with a double.
- As opener, if the overcall is passed around to you, you should strive to reopen with shortness in their suit, even with a minimal opener.
o Example: Opener: S: AQxx H:x D: KQxxx C:xxx. After opening 1D, you hear 1H on your left, pass from your partner and pass from your right hand opponent. Your next call should be double .