[Antrax]

Beginner game at the club, all vul, matchpoints scoring.

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N/S bids are natural. What do you do?

[JLOGIC]

I would double, I have good defense and partner will have some clubs as he didn't bid stayman or anything, and I have nowhere else I can play.

[Antrax]

That's what I thought. Partner didn't double, after the match saying it's very likely we're already in a better spot than the field (since we're probably not making 3NT), and there's no need to "win more" by doubling. I was wondering if that makes sense, it sounds reasonable, but it didn't win all the matchpoints (one other pair got the -800 while we settled for the -300)

[frank0]

Double and very likely you will regret why you're not playing rubber bridge.

[BunnyGo]

Antrax, on 2011-August-22, 01:04, said:

That's what I thought. Partner didn't double, after the match saying it's very likely we're already in a better spot than the field (since we're probably not making 3NT), and there's no need to "win more" by doubling. I was wondering if that makes sense, it sounds reasonable, but it didn't win all the matchpoints (one other pair got the -800 while we settled for the -300)

The reason to not double in a situation like your partner is describing, is if you think they may be able to run somewhere that's worse for you. For example, I once doubled a 3NT that I knew was going down. It let them correct their mistake and find a making 4♥.

In this case, they can run all they want, and you're *very* happy to double them at 4♣ or any contract higher than that. It doesn't seem like you ever do worse than 4♣ undoubled, so why not do better.

It's true that it's not many matchpoints for doubling vs. passing, but doubling can't cost matchpoints, which is the key point.

That and Justin has succinctly and clearly summed up why doubling is good.

[mck4711]

Double.
Where do they want to find another (better) spot?
You alone have 4 tricks, unless void or single, and partner promises with his 2NT bid also some points, and therefore has also potentially some defense. At matchpoint you play for the overtrick, the difference between 4♣ undoubled and 4♣ doubled can be the difference between top and zero.

Note: It is anyway funny that your opps do enter the auction after p's 2NT . Make them pay for it...

[Antrax]

The hand in the OP was my partner's, it was his decision.
Do you think it likely many tables will end in 4♣ played by N/S?

[farrnbach]

D in pairs, I need the 200 to beat 120 for 2nt=
If they can make 4♣ then this ias a plain zero anyway

at imps, D also, but with a bit of more uneasiness

[FrancesHinden]

You (or your partner) are right that doubling is unlikely to gain you many more matchpoints. However, it isn't going to lose you any at all (if 4C is, astonishingly, making you'll be getting a zero anyway). So if it gains some matchpoints and loses none, it's the correct call.

Also, you are missing part of the point of playing. One of the most enjoyable things to do at the table is to take a huge penalty. If you don't double, you won't have so much fun.

[Antrax]

Okay, thanks. If someone's interested, I'm attaching all four hands:

Spoiler

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