Negative Double:

A takeout-like Double by responder, popularized by Alvin Roth and Tobias Stone in 1957 (then called the "Sputnik"). Like the Russian satellite, the Sputnik indicates the bid was "out of the world". The Negative Double is used over the opponents' overcall after partner's opening bid. Below is a comparison between the Takeout Double and the Negative Double.

Here's an introductory training video on Negative Doubles. You can learn and view more of our videos on our Bridge Blog:

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Negative Doubles - Introduction: Part 1    Part 2
Negative Doubles - Refinements: Part 1    Part 2
Negative Doubles - Rebids:          Part 1    Part 2

Takeout Double	Negative Double
Opponents' open bidding	Partner opens bidding
Overcalling Partner makes a Double of opener's suit	Responding Partner makes a Double of overcalling opponent's suit
Overcaller typically has opening hand	Responder typically has 6-9 points, depending on bidding level
Support for 3 unbid suits	Support primarily for unbid major
Shortness in opener's suit	May be balanced hand, no shortness requirement in overcaller's suit
Overcaller's new suit after a Takeout Double shows a strong hand (17+ HCP)	Responder's new suit after a Negative Double is simply a signoff to play

Most players use methods that require 5+ cards and 10+ points to make a 2 level raise in a new suit. The Negative Double conveniently handles situations like this and others. Here's another situation, this one where responder indeed has 10+ points but lacks a 5 card suit:

	8 7 K 5 3 2 K 10 A K J 3 2
Q 9 4 9 6 8 7 6 5 4 6 5 4	Dealer: North	A J 10 3 2 Q J 7 Q J 9 Q 7
	K 6 5 A 10 8 4 A 3 2 10 9 8

W N E S 1C -(1S) - X (P) - 2H - (P) - 3H (P) - 4H - All Pass	Lacking a 5 cards suit, South makes a Negative Double

Common suit distribution requirements include:

1 Minor - (1H) - X 1 Minor - (1H) -1S	The Negative Double tends to show 4 in the other major Bidding 1S (1 in opposite major) shows 5+ in that major
1H - (1S) - X	The Negative Double shows 4+ in the minors
1C - (1D) - X	The Negative Double promises 4+/4+ in the majors
1x - (2y) - X	The Negative Double shows 4+ cards in another suit

Common strength requirements for responder's Negative Double:

Bidding Level	Points
1 Minor/Major	6
2 Minor	8
2 Major	9+
3 Level	10+

Opener's rebids after partner's Negative Double are:

Bidding Level

Points

Lowest available bid

Minimum hand: 12-14

Jump bid

Medium hand: 15-17

Double jump bid to game

Maximum hand: 18-19

Cuebid opponent's suit
(some play 1 Notrump)

Huge hand: 20-21

Also see Negative Free Bid, Takeout Double, Responsive Double, more Doubles and other books on Doubles

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