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Balancing Doubles
Balancing Double situations arise when we try to to force opponents to play every hand at
a level higher than 2 Spades particularly with good vulnerability for us. When you are responding to a Balancing
Double remember partner may have a much wider range of hands; i.e., he/she may not have good support for ail of the
unbid suits, and the strength of his/her hand may be considerably below the values required for a direct take‑out
double.
Balancing Double Situation
When the opponents try to keep the bidding at low levels, a double in the pass out seat - meaning the last person to bid, is regarded as a balancing double. It may not have the full takeout double strength even if it is that players first opportunity to bid.Responding to A Balancing Double
The response to a balancing double requires better judgment than does bidding over partner's direct take‑out double. Remember, partner may have made a balancing double on a much wider range of hands; i.e., he/she may not have good support for ail of the unbid suits, and the strength of his/her hand may be considerably below the values required for a direct take‑out double.- A bid of any unbid suit at the lowest level = 8‑11 HCP's.
- A jump response showing partner that you have a hand with opening strength points, even if previously passed.
- Jump to 2NT showing a good opening bid with opener's suit well‑stopped
- Jump to 3NT showing values for a strong 1NT opening with controls in oppositions suit
Partner makes a Balancing Double, what should you Respond?
- ♠ 5 4 3
- ♥ Q J 6
- ♦ T 6 5 2
- ♣ A J 4
Bid 2D - your best suit and you have 8-11 points