FISHER DOUBLES

This is the designation for a lead directing double of a No Trump contract asking for a Minor suit lead, developed by Dr. John W. Fisher.

Club Lead: After a 1 No Trump or even a 2 No Trump bid by the opponents has been made, and there has been no suit bid made, and the final contract is No Trump, then a double of the final contract requests a Club lead.

Diamond Lead: If Stayman, or any other suit bid, has been made, then a double of the final No Trump contract requests a Diamond lead.

Note: Several partnerships always use the double to request a Diamond lead.

Source: Doubles of Strongly Bid 3 No Trump Contracts
From Doubles for Takeout, Penalties and Profit, p.208
By Robert B. Ewen, 1973

Dr. John W. Fisher has devised a lead-directing double that applies when the opponents open the bidding with 1 NT and subsequently play in 3 No Trump. If they have not used a Stayman 2 Clubs response, a double of the final contract requests a Club lead. If they have used a Stayman, a double of the final contract requests a Diamond lead. The main advantage of this convention is that the opening leader knows exactly what is expected of him, so there is no possibility of ambiguity. The disadvantages are that after the auction 1 No Trump / 3 No Trump, the Lightner Double can be used regardless of what suit you want led and is therefore preferable with a capable partner who will judge correctly most of the time; and the Fisher double implies that doubles of Stayman 2 Clubs bids should be used as lead-directional, which is not a recommended procedure.

 

 

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.

 

 

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