Standard English Acol Foundation Level System File

8 Other uses of doubles
8.1 The general principle is that doubles of natural suit bids are for takeout up to
and including the level of 2♠.
8.2 Partner makes a takeout double and opponents raise, for example 1♥­dbl­2♥­
dbl. Known as a responsive double this invites the doubler to choose a suit.
8.3 A double of a suit bid in a competitive auction shows at least two possible
resting places, either in an unbid suit or in partner’s suit.
For example 1♣­1♥­2♦­dbl shows a spade suit and tolerance for hearts.
8.4 If partner has overcalled and opener’s suit has been raised, a double shows
interest in at least one of the other suits and a hand with useful high cards. For
example, 1♦­1♠­2♦­dbl . This is called a competitive double.
8.5 A double of a conventional bid, for example of Stayman or a transfer bid,
shows length and strength in the suit bid. A bid of opponents’ implied suit is for
takeout. After 1NT­pass­2♥ (transfer to 2♠)
• Double shows a heart suit and values to overcall
• 2♠ is a takeout double of spades
8.6 A double of a freely bid slam, known as a Lightner double, asks partner to find
an unusual lead. Often the doubler is trying to get a ruff and you have to
guess in which suit partner has a void.
9 Defending against their system
9.1 Strong club
A 1♣ opening shows 16+ HCP and says nothing about clubs. Overcall 1NT to
show the minors and double to show the majors (at least 5­4 in the suits
shown). Can be quite weak in high cards, especially non­vulnerable or with
longer suits. With a better distributional hand bid straightaway. In fourth seat
bid natrually.
9.2 Benjamin two bids
Don’t be afraid to overcall with a long suit.
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