[idahoclyde]

Match points, all vulnerable, playing 2/1, Michaels, equal level conversion, standard takeout double (with ELC)
You are West in second seat, first seat opens one club promising 2+clubs, 12+hcp.

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[mike777]

Pass

[pescetom]

I abstained because unfamiliar with ELC (which is not standard nor particularly well endorsed).
Without it I double, national style is that my spades are at the limit but my diamonds may be worse than this.

[mike777]

 pescetom, on 2025-December-25, 15:51, said:

I abstained because unfamiliar with ELC (which is not standard nor particularly well endorsed).
Without it I double, national style is that my spades are at the limit but my diamonds may be worse than this.

My surprise this is your nations style but ok. If pass was not permitted, option2 would be one no trump for me.

At my age "10". Looks a Doubleton diamond,

[pescetom]

 mike777, on 2025-December-25, 17:28, said:

My surprise this is your nations style but ok. If pass was not permitted, option2 would be one no trump for me.

At my age "10". Looks a Doubleton diamond,

I would much prefer "T", which is clearly a singleton and almost an honour.


"National style" may be a slight overbid, but for most players over here this double is definitely about the majors in first instance. Many will insist on at least 4-3 with only opening strength, although others will bid it 3-3 if Double seems otherwise the most flexible bid. Partner is authorized to show diamonds if necessary but has no illusions about sure fit.

I polled the local club as one reality check for you, but they're all busy eating again

[Huibertus]

1♥ for me. My partnership knows this is possible on this type of hand. Double is out of the question with no ♦ tolerance. 3♣ natural would not be our agreement (it'd be asking for a stop) and apart from that, even if it were, this is NOT the hand for it (not a 1 suited ♣ hand). One no trump would be reasonable, but is kind of gambling we should be able to reach NT at the right level anyway, and if it goes all pass it probably is bad unless they screw up defense.

Pass is the prime alternative, but we feel at this position bidding is now or never hence 1♥, the only way to get into the bidding after an initial pass is 1♣-pass-1♦-pass-2♦-Double, it happens, but rarely.

[pescetom]

Some votes staggered in from the local club.
8% Pass
84% Double
8% 1NT

This evening I play in a slightly better club at the other end of Italy, will see what some of them have to say.

[DavidKok]

I think permitting double on this type of hand is good, especially in a world where 1♦ is usually 5(+) or is unbalanced, while many balanced hands with 4♦ open 1♣. However, it is not my current partnership agreement.
It's frustrating that normally the line is drawn between '1♣ 3+' and '1♣ 2+', when instead I think it should be drawn between '1♣ 2+, 1♦ frequently 4 cards' and '1♣ 2+, 1♦ usually 5+ cards'. Even more frustrating is that checking this at the table clearly telegraphs your concerns as it's usually not front and center on a system card, so there's a real UI issue.

[P_Marlowe]

Pass.

And if you cannot stand Pass, bid 1NT.

ELC does not matter, if you bid 1H over 1D, this should be 5h and 4s, not 4h and 3s.