Bridge |30 March 2024

If you watch world-class players online, you’ll notice how often they use the red penalty–card. Most of us are far too hesitant: we feel we pretty much have to guarantee a contract won’t make before we double. But as Zia Mahmood once said: ‘If every contract you double goes down, you’re not doubling enough.’

Very true. But he might have added that it does depend a bit on the person you’re doubling. Be cautious with players who seem to pull tricks out of hats, or who, as a result of your double, might find a brilliant alternative line – Zia himself, for instance. Another great player who should come with a warning sign is Gunnar Hallberg. He was at London’s rubber bridge club TGRs recently, and at one point, bid to 4♠. His left-hand opponent, James Vogl (who happens to be a world-class poker and backgammon player), had what looked like the safest double in the world (see diagram).