• 0-8: at lowest level.
• 9-12: with a jump.
• 13+: at game level.

Exercise: (1 ♠)-Dbl-(P)-?

(i). 2 ♣. Showing up to eight points, clubs being the longest unbid suit. Partner may hope for a little more than one point, but he cannot expect it.

(ii). 3 ♥ . Remember to jump the bidding with nine+ points. A 2 bid may have the same (lack of) strength as Hand (i).

(iii). 3 ♥ . When partner doubles one major, he should strain to have four cards in the other. So it is clear to choose hearts over clubs, and do not worry unduly about only having four cards (at least they are chunky).

(iv). 5 ♣. It goes against the grain to leap to the dreaded Five-of-a-Minor, but what other game can there be? Indeed, facing as little as ♠ x, Kxxx, Axxx, ♣ Kxxx (not even enough to double), 6 ♣ is easy. Even facing the unsuitable dummy he bought (on our featured deal), 5 ♣ made.