RSClyde, on 2013-October-17, 05:47, said:
I'm not sure I see the wisdom of this double with 18-19. Partner has very little and you'll get picked apart trying to defend all by yourself. I mean I suppose if you have a very easy hand to lead from and can virtually count 7 tricks that's fine. But if you just have a slew of cards which comprise sensitive holdings, the hand will be hard to beat. I mean how do you plan on setting 1nt with AJx, KJxx, AQ, KJxx?
Just because the double means, what it means, does not mean, that you always double with 18-19 bal., and that even when
you double, partner is alloed to bid on.
The double simply describes your hand, and if partner happens to have a 5 card suit, he is allowed to bid it, i.e.
the double helps you, to compete, similar if he is broke, and has a 4 card club suit, he can bid the clubs.
If he is broke, and has no 5 card suit, he may pass, hoping, that either you can beat 1NT by your own, or that you are
strong enough to hold it to 1NTX=.
With kind regards
Marlowe