A common bidding convention in contract bridge, the support double, typically arises after an opponent opens the bidding, the partner overcalls, and the next opponent raises the opening bid. It signals to the partner that the doubler holds at least three cards in the suit bid by the overcaller, implying shortness in the suit bid by the opponents. This allows the partner to judge whether to compete further or defend, with knowledge of the doubler’s likely distribution.
The employment of this convention enhances bidding accuracy. It informs the partnership about suit length in situations where a natural bid is unavailable or undesirable. The convention provides a structured method for conveying distributional information, improving decision-making during the auction. Its adoption dates back several decades, evolving from less precise methods of showing support.
