[neilkaz]

jdonn, on May 5 2008, 01:39 PM, said:

I don't understand why everyone thinks the double must be 5+ hearts. 2443? 3433? 3442? What do you do if you have those shapes and invitational strength so a cuebid is not an option, but spades unstopped? Or gf where you could always cuebid next round but are happy if partner passes the double?

Double certainly doesn't show 5+♥ but doubling and then bidding them does.

[gnasher]

I don't think that the double promises five hearts. After the double, I'd play 2NT by opener as scrambling, though that won't always help.

[han]

pclayton, on May 5 2008, 10:44 AM, said:

I double. I didn't realize that a subsequent 3♥ was forcing, but it makes sense.

Yeah I was actually thinking about it before I posted and didn't realize it either. Hope some people I play with read this thread so that they won't pass when I do it at the table.

[dcvetkov]

Jlall, on May 5 2008, 06:12 PM, said:

Direct X of 2S would be takeout (and promise extra values). What else could one do with a 1345 16 count etc.

Actually, I just realized I made mistake in my post;)

Direct dbl is support , isnt it? ( Assuming it is on the card). If not agreed, then agree, its takeout. Read somewhere though , I think from E. Kantar, suggestion two way double , either takeout, singleton, or penalty stack with 4 trumps. Partner should suppose to deduce ( guess?) which one is more likely. This mostly applies after 1NT responce by responder.

[gnasher]

dcvetkov, on May 6 2008, 12:58 PM, said:

Direct dbl is support , isnt it? ( Assuming it is on the card).

If the the agreement is "support doubles" without qualification, I would expect it to apply only up to two of responder's suit. It isn't very playable at higher levels, unless the double promises extra values or decent shape, which sounds a lot like a takeout double anyway.