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Intermediate Bridge LESSON 11 The Responsive Double Responsive DBL after Partner's TO-DBL Responsive DBL after Partner's Overcall Responsive DBL over RHO 2♠ Fourth suit DBL   ("Snapdragon") Deals 93-100 Quiz - Answers Bidding Guide : 8

A double when there has been an immediate raise to the 2-level or 3-level (of Opener's suit) after Partner's Take-out Double is a Responsive Double.

In Example 1 below South's Responsive Double shows 6+ points and length in both major suits. Partner (North, usually with at least 4-3 in the majors) will now bid the suit he prefers.

South may be much stronger of course, like the hand shown below for example.

In this case South goes on to bid Game in Partner's preferred suit.

In Example 2 East has raised to the 3-level. In this case South's Responsive Double must be slightly stronger, 9+ points, but it still promises length in both majors.

In Example 3 South does not bid spades, and therefore denies holding 4 cards in that suit.
His Responsive Double in this case shows 4-4 in the 2 minor suits, as well as tolerance (2 card support) for Partner's (presumed) spade suit.

A Responsive Double can also be made after Partner's Overcall. In the bid shows length in the 2 unbid suits.
But as Partner can make an Overcall with as little as 8 points, the Responsive Double after Partner's Overcall at the 1-level should be slightly stronger.   At least 8-9 points for a Double at the 2-level, and 10-11+ points for a Double at the 3-level.

In Example 4 South does not raise spades, and therefore denies having 3 cards in that suit.
His Responsive Double in this case shows 4-4 in the 2 unbid suits : hearts and clubs.

In Example 5 South does not bid clubs, and therefore denies holding 4 cards in that suit.
His Responsive Double in this case shows once again length in the 2 unbid suits : in this case both majors, hearts and spades.

A tricky situation arises when you are in a competitive auction with the Opponents reaching 2♠.   What should the Advancer bid ?

South has a weak hand, but with 5-card hearts support for his Partner he would certainly want to compete. But North will regard his 3♥ raise as an invitation to Game, which is clearly not South's intention.

The solution for the Advancer (South) is to bid a Responsive Double. Partner will then bid his better minor suit in reply (assuming Advancer holds the two minor suits), after which South can then safely bid his competitive 3♥.

If South happens to have trump support and a stronger hand he can now unambiguously invite Game by bidding 3♥ directly.

The Advancer has yet another Responsive Double at his disposal whenever the three previous players have bid three different suits.

This shows a strong 5+card suit in the unbid nomination (♥ in above example) 8+ HCP and usualy 2-card support for Partner's suit.
This bid is predictively known as the "Fourth suit Double", or (far more interestingly) the Snapdragon.

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