OPTIONAL DOUBLE

The Optional Double, which is basically a Cooperative Double, is used to show a balanced hand with sufficient high cards to defeat the final contract of the opponents in all probability, and promises support for the partner for any unbid suit. The Optional Double is used mainly and generally against Preemptive Openings on the Three Level and above.

West	North	East	South
3	Double	Pass
	AK7 AQ5 865 AQ83

In the above example, North could utilize the Optional Double with a holding as shown above. East, the partner of the preemptive bidder, will most likely pass unless East holds some values and a moderate Heart holding. However, sacrificing at 4 Hearts may, under certain conditions, be the better choice if East holds very poor values.

South, on the other hand, is not required to have a substantial holding in the Heart suit in order to pass the double of his partner. After an Optional Double, South is generally expected to pass provided South has an exceptional suit and a totally unbalanced holding.

 

 

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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