We have a strong hand, and are about to open with 1
or 1
, when leftie rudely sticks in one of a minor. What now?
The solution is the use of the strong double – a double of one of a minor showing 16+ points and any shape.
| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| dbl |
Opposite this, all responses retain their structural significance. When their bid is 1 we can treat the double exactly like an opening 1, as we can still respond 1 negative. If we double their 1 and the next hand passes, we have to stretch responses a little: a one of a major response shows at least four cards and is forcing, but is strength-neutral. A 1NT response is anything without a major up to 6 points.
| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | dbl | pass | |||
1 | pass | 1NT | pass | ||
| 2 |
shows at least four spades, no heart suit, unlimited and forcing, but not promising any points. 1NT limits East to about 16 to 20 points. And now 2 is an invitational minor relay, and we are back on terra firma neutralis.