This Week in Bridge
(367) Responder’s Rebid After Making a Redouble
©AiB Robert S. Todd
Level: 4 of 10 (1 of 6) robert@advinbridge.com
General
When partner opens the bidding, RHO makes a takeout double, and we redouble, we let partner know that we have at least 10 points and that the hand belongs to our side. But we still have a lot more to say to our partner. We have not yet started to describe our shape (although partner can eliminate a large fit for their suit since we did not use Jordan 2NT). We will need to start to do that with our second bid. We also need to let partner know whether our hand is only invitationally valued (about 10-11 points) or we have enough to insist on game. Let’s take a look at some of these auctions and make sure we have clear agreements about the meaning of our follow-up bids.
Rebidding After a Redouble
When partner opens the bidding with 1-minor and our RHO makes a takeout double, we usually don’t make a redouble, even when we have 10+ points. If we have a 4-card Major, we usually just bid it and have the auction proceed as if the takeout double never happened. But if our partner opens the bidding with 1-Major then we often start by making a redouble (showing our 10+ points) and then later communicate our distribution.
Balancing Action
First, let’s look at an auction where our LHO bids and it is passed around to us.
Example 1
1♠ X XX 2♣
P P __?
Double Penalty, usually a good 4+card ♣ suit
2♦ 5+card ♦, 10+ points, 1F
2♥ 5+card ♥, 10+ points, 1F
2♠ 3-card limit raise, NF
2NT ♣ Stopper, 10-11 points, NF
3♣ Western Cuebid, asking for ♣ stopper, GF
3-Level Jump, 5+card suit (usually 6+card), 12+ points, GF
3♠ 3-card ♠, GF, slammish (stronger than jumping to 4♠)
3NT To Play
Example 2
♠ 6
♥ K954
♦ JT43
♣ AQ93
1♠ X XX 2♣
P P X
This is the type of hand (short in partner’s suit) that is good for defense. The opponents will likely have losers in almost every suit!
Direct Action
Now, let’s look at an auction where our RHO bids after our redouble, and we have to make a direct seat decision.
Example 3
1♠ X XX P
P 2♦ __?
In this situation we have similar agreements as to the above example. The one significant difference is that partner has not had a chance to penalize the opponents. With a hand that is appropriate for bidding, we can still do so. But we can pass, and partner will still get a chance to double the opponents for penalty or choose to bid something else themselves. Since the auction is not yet to 2♠ (2 of Opener’s suit) then if we pass, they must either double or bid on.
Partner Bids in Front of Us
Finally, if partner bids before we get a chance to rebid then we follow the general rule that the redouble created a forcing auction to Opener’s suit at the 2-level.
Example 4
1♠ X XX P
2♦ P __?
Since our redouble created an auction that is forcing to at least 2♠ (or until we double the opponents for penalty) then 2♦ is forcing and we cannot pass. We must do the best we can to describe our hand.
Conclusion
When we are the Responder, we can use a redouble to let partner know that we do not have a large fit and that we have a good hand (meaning our side likely has 22+ points). Our side will either double the opponents for penalty or bid on. We may reach game, play a partscore, or collect a large penalty if we have the right hand. The most important thing is for us to be in agreement about when a double is penalty vs. when it is takeout. We also need to have good agreements about when a bid is non-forcing vs. when it is forcing. Make sure you and partner discuss these auctions in detail and can make good decisions about how to handle the rest of the bidding after the redouble.