Belated D.S.I.P. Doubles

Monday, May 10, 2004 1:42 AM

D.S.I.P. - Belated Doubles

PITBULLS:

D.S.I.P. doubles assume the game of IMPS and competent opponents. Competence is defined as opponents who do not commit suicide with their game bidding when they are vul vrs not . There is no need to be an “enforcer” to tell them how badly they bid on this one vulnerability. D.S.I.P. doubles do not cater to exposing vul psyches vrs nv opponents J. Let the psycher have his moment in the sun if it comes off. If you do happen to have the enforcer hand with this vulnerability, put the green card on the table . Why , because we play belated or balancing D.S.I.P. doubles with favourable vulnerability. This is another way of “playing the vulnerability”.

Unfavourable or equal vulnerability needs better hands , so it begs the question of why didn’t partner take action earlier ? Trump stack doubles still apply at these other vulnerabilities to expose psyches or just punish the opponents . This is especially true when one opponent took single handed action . 1♠-P-1NT-P 4♠-X is still penalty.

Opponents are vul and you are not . 1♥-P-2♣-P 3♣-P-4♥-p P-X-P-? The opponents have a two suited fit and the jump to game means that they are probably bidding on distributional values. The double is not penalty but we are not suicidal either so he shows some defense in case partners hand is unsuitable . KQxx xxx Axxxx x If you hit partner with Jxx x xxxxx KQJ10 he will probably pass instead of the pseudo 5♦ sacrifice. The D.S.I.P. double must have some defense. If you hit partner with J10xxx x Kxxx xxx you well be well rewarded in 4♠ x despite the opponents 27 HCP’s.

2♠-P-4♠-P P-X-P-? This is not penalty nv vrs vul but D.S.I.P. with some defense . xx Axxx Kxx Axxx if you just wanted to sacrifice on this vulnerability you would make a balancing 4NT bid . The D.S.I.P. double gives partner the option of passing . It may be an option of –790 but its still an option. This bid would be made at favourable vulnerability only. There are inferences like why didn’t partner double or overcall originally with the other vulnerabilities ?

3♠-p-4♠-x is a D.S.I.P. double ( co-operative) as you could have bid 4NT for takeout . You have defense but maybe not the classic takeout bid . Do something intelligent partner at this level. It is in these kind of auctions where D.S.I.P. doubles are co-operative doubles in the old fashioned sense. Leave it in unless you have some reason not to . Lebensohl applies if you pull the double. A direct bid implies that you think you can make the contract. This type of D.S.I.P. double is done at any vulnerability .

Good opponents try to “steal” from unsuspecting partnerships especially when one of them makes a pre-emptive bid . D.S.I.P. doubles apply in these auctions in the balancing or direct at favourable vulnerability . Other vulnerabilities take your fix or get in earlier with off shape hands so that the opponents can not fix you.

1♥-P-3♥-P 4♥-x-p-p are belated D.S.I.P. doubles nv vrs vul The 3♥ bid is alerted as pre-emptive yet opener is bidding 4 anyway. He either has a rock or re-pre-empting .. You have

Axxx xxx Kxxx Ax so you double . Partner has xxx x Axxx Kxxxx and feels he has enough defense to leave it in. You get +500 as your defensive tricks cash .

The leap to game in a major is an opportunity for a belated D.S.I.P. double with favourable vulnerability but penalty otherwise. . 1♥-P-4♥-P P-x is D.S.I.P. if they are vul and we are not Axxx xxx QJ10x Ax Partner pulls with Kxxxxx x Kxxx xx and gets rewarded as it makes .

D.S.I.P. doubles starting at this level of course is just gambling . However gambling is a part of Bridge and if the opponents indicate that your side might have something go for it. At least the insecurity of “does partner hold a trump stack penalty double” does not exist if we are nv vrs vul. D.S.I.P. doubles also puts pressure on the opponents and they may bid again.