What is a double?

To determine the nature of a double, the following flowchart can be used:


1.  Decide whether the double is a negative, support or lead-directing double, or a PDF response.

• Yes (done)
• No (Go to Q2)

2.  Has a suit fit been reached?

• Yes (Go to Q3)
• No (Go to Q4)

3.  Is the double between 2-of-our-major and 3-of-our-major?

• Yes (It is an invitational double)
• No (It is a penalty double)

4.  What is the level of the double?

• (4m) opening (It is a takeout double)
• (3H) or above, excluding (4m) opening (It is a penalty double)
• (2NT) (It is a penalty double)
• (1NT) (See here)
• (3D) or below, excluding NT (Go to Q5)

5.  Has the doubler made a takeout double before?

• Yes (Go to Q6)
• No (It is a takeout double)

6.  Has partner responded to the previous takeout double (including NT response)?

• Yes (It is a penalty double)
• No (It is a takeout double)