♠ A J 8 6
♥ A Q 9 7 6
♦ 9
♣ K Q 8

You open 1 ♥ , hear your left-hand opponent overcall 2 ♦, and then two passes back to you. Rather than bidding 2 ♠ (to show your five-four shape), why not double? It is still for take-out (next deal we’ll discuss why) and it keeps the bidding lower. Consider two possible hands (below) for partner on the two auctions:

Auction (a): 1 ♥ - (2 ♦) -P- (P) -2 ♠- (P) - ?
Auction (b):1 ♥ - (2 ♦)-P- (P) - Dbl - (P) - ?

In auction (a), partner is stymied with both hands (i) and (ii). In order to make hearts trumps with (i), he will have to raise the level to three. (ii) is worse. Not knowing of the club length opposite, he has to give a preference to 3 ♥  here too.

In auction (b), partner has an easy 2 ♥ bid with (i), and an easy 3 ♣ bid with (ii). Both times the fit is located - and at the lowest possible level.

The key bid was opener’s second-round take- out double, saying, “I have a good opener. Hearts may be my best suit, but I have support in both unbid suits, as well as diamond shortage”.

Take South's cards and declare this hand.