There is no more important convention in bridge. A negative double is made by East in this auction:
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 of a suit | Any Suit Overcall | Double |
Only the partner of the opening bidder can make a Negative Double.
What does it show? Enough to respond (the higher the level, the more the requirements). On the 1-level, it can be made with as few of 6 points. There is no upper limit. A negative double can be made with 20 or more points!
It shows the "other suits" with the focus on the other major. There are 2 specific auctions where the Negative Double comes with guarantees:
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Double |
This Negative Double guarantees both majors (at least 4
and at least 4
).
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (or 1) | 1 | Double |
This Negative Double (after a 1 overcall) guarantees exactly 4 (not 3, not 5). A 1 bid would guarantee 5 or more spades.
At a higher level, you might make a negative double with less perfect shape but no clear bid.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (or 1) | 3 | Double |
This auction guarantees at least 10+ points, but not necessarily 4 spades.
You might also consider getting Larry's book on Doubles and Redoubles HERE or try Michael's Doubles Webinar which you can find HERE.
You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1
?
AQ76 
K32 32 J765
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -1
4. -Club Raise
Answer: 31
. On this exact auction, double would guarantee 4 in addition to your 4. You do want to introduce your 4-card major so you bid 1. This shows 4 or more spades and 6 or more points.Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1? AQ76 K32 32 J765
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -1
4. -1NT
5. -Other
Answer: 2Double. This shows exactly 4
and enough to respond. Anything else would be a misdescription.Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1? AQJ1076 8732 A A5
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -1
4. -2
Answer: 31
. Yes, double would show both majors, but that hardly is what this hand is about. Bid 1 to show 4+ spades and 6+ points. Of course, you will later make sure you reach at least game. Don't jump to 2 (which many partnerships play as weak!).Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 3? AQ76 K32 32 A765
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -3
4. -3NT
5. -Club raise
Answer: 2Double. This does not guarantee both majors (this is not 1
followed by 1). Would you like to have both majors? Sure. But, they don't always deal you that. From all the possible choices, this is your best bet.Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 1? 63 A QJ976 J7652
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -2
4. -2
Answer: 2Double. Why not? Negative doubles tend to show the unbid suits. Minors are suits.
Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 3? KQ5 98 AQ104 Q987
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -3NT
4. -4
5. -5
Answer: 2Double. You'd like to bid 3NT, but you lack a stopper. Don't bid 4
or 5 without investigating for a better game. Double allows partner to describe his hand, but it doesn't promise four spades at this level.Your result so far:You are responder after your partner has dealt and opened 1
. What is your call after RHO overcalls 2? AJ43 K5 J10752 98
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -2
4. -3
Answer: 2Double. Bidding 2
shows 5 spades and 10+ points, but you don't have to give up on finding a major-suit fit. Double and if partner bids hearts, you can return to diamonds.Your result so far: