plh@ukma.UUCP (Paul L. Hightower) (03/07/85)
>About two weeks ago I held (approximately...my memory fades quickly): > >S Qxx >H Axxx >D Kx >C Jxxx > >LHO was dealer and opened 1C. Partner overcalled 1D. RHO babbled something >to the effect of 1S. I wanted to take some action...we play negative doubles >and so I decided to make a 'negative double'. >Question: > >1) Can this properly be called a negative double, given that LHO opened >instead of partner? Is there some other term? This is called a responsive double. The same term applies after partner's takeout double : 1C-Double-1S-Double can be used to show hearts, for example. >2) Regardless of terminology, is it alertable? (Partner did not alert it.) >I certainly don't intend it to be a penalty double. Yes, all doubles intended for takeout after partner has bid are alertable. This is an obvious anachronism; the convention card should be sufficient. Personally, I doubt that any double of 1 of a suit is best used for penalties; also, when partner has overcalled and RHO bids at the two level, how often will you have a whopping penalty? Most doubles at the 1 and 2 level when no one has bid notrump can be used profitably as negative, responsive, competitive, or whatever. Paul Hightower University of Kentucky