Score, Love. Dealer bids one Spade; Second Hand, one Diamond; Third Hand, one Royal; Fourth Hand, two Clubs.
Second round, Dealer bids two Royals; Second Hand, three Clubs; Third Hand, three Royals; Fourth Hand, four Diamonds.
Dealer holds
| Spades | Knave, 10, 7 |
| Hearts | King, Knave, 8 |
| Diamonds | 7, 4, 3 |
| Clubs | King, 7, 6, 3 |
Should he double the four Diamond declaration?
Answer
A bid of four Diamonds should never be doubled at a love score unless the Doubler be reasonably sure of defeating the declaration. In this case he may expect to win one Club, and possibly one Heart, although that is not sure. Either the Declarer or the Dummy may be without Spades. The double does not seem reasonably safe and may keep the partner from a successful bid of four Royals. The Dealer, therefore, should pass.
FOOTNOTES