[swanway]

English Bridge Union

Would you please clarify the following regulation in the Orange Book.

4H2
The practice of doubling an opening 1NT for penalties (especially in the direct seat) on balanced hands which have fewer than 15HCP must be shown on the convention card.

Our club seems to have been unaware of this regulation and it is causing a little confusion that I hope you can clear up.

1. Basically these balanced hands must be alerted by partner?

2. What is the range of points that would be allowed? For instance could you double with 10 HCP and a balanced hand provided that partner alerts it?

3. There are hands that have less than 15 HCP that can be 'up graded' These would be hands with long suits or singletons. Deviation I think. Just how much leeway is given to these kind of hands and I presume partner does not have to alert them.

[RMB1]

• If a direct double of 1NT can be made on a balanced hand with less than 15 HCP then it should be alerted (see Orange Book 5G4).
  
• But you can agree any range of values (or any shape) for a double of 1NT (at level 3/4, see Orange Book 11P7).
  
• If your double shows 15 HCP (in a balanced hand) or the values to defeat 1NT (in a not balanced hand), then this is not alertable.

At level 2, a "penalty" double of 1NT is only permitted if it is at least 12 HCP (Orange Book 11P2(a)).

Also note (Orange Book 4H2):

Quote

The practice of doubling an opening 1NT for penalties (especially in the direct seat) on balanced hands which have fewer than 15 HCP must be shown on the convention card.