[DavidChinn]

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Three questions:
Is double by west correct?
Assuming pard has 4 hearts, what are the point ranges for 2♥, 3♥, and 4♥?
Which bids are forcing?

[mgoetze]

No, West is not strong enough for a vulnerable takeout double at the 2 level. You can consider a takeout double nonvulnerable at matchpoints but not in any other circumstances.

None of 2♥, 3♥ or 4♥ are forcing. Partner assumes you have a typical minimal takeout double and places the contract accordingly. Hence, it's not really about "point ranges" and more about playing strength. A bit hard to discuss without example hands.

If East wants to make a forcing bid it will have to be some number of diamonds. But it's very unlikely that he has so many points that he would be interested in more than game, with both opponents bidding and West doubling.

[TylerE]

I'm not nearly as against the initial double. Yea, it's a bit light but the shape is fantastic and the points you do have are well placed. At MPs I suspect doubling will win a lot more often than it loses. At IMPs the downside is probably more. But at MP you could easily find a great spot here.

NB: This only works if partner can count to roughly 40, and know that with the opponents having a minimum of 18, his flat 12 count ain't a game force.

[wank]

TylerE, on 2015-February-07, 13:08, said:

NB: This only works if partner can count to roughly 40, and know that with the opponents having a minimum of 18, his flat 12 count ain't a game force.

lol if you think the opps need to have 18 points to open and respond, especially with a raise, you need to get out a bit more.

to the op, you need a better hand to bid here. partner didn't bid at the 1 level, so he's either got diamonds or a paucity of points. opposite a weak hand with a fit, you'll be outgunned (opps can outbid you) and opposite a hand with diamonds you will find yourself scrabbling around for a half arsed fit instead of defending the opps in their half arsed fit.