Redouble Trouble? - Bridge 224

A redouble is a call that can be made when the last call in the current auction (other than a Pass) is a double. Like a double, it uses up no space on the bidding ladder. It can have one of different meanings, depending on the auction:

1) For penalty

This redouble is made after an opponent makes a penalty double of your contract. If you are sure the opponent made a mistake, you can use the call of Redouble to increase your score if you make the contract. If you go down, however, your redouble increases the penalty.

This type of redouble is very rare and should be used cautiously. Even if you're sure you can make your contract, a redouble keeps the auction open and gives the opponents another chance to bid. It may scare them into running back to a bid of their suit.

If the redoubled contract is defeated, the doubling side scores four times their normal score; if the contract is made, the redoubling side gets at least four times their normal score. 

2) SOS

An SOS redouble occurs after your side's contract has been doubled for penalty .A redouble is SOS like the distress calls made at sea. It indicates lack of any support for partner's suit that he has bid, usually a singleton or void and support of the other suits. Thus, partner bids 1 heart. The next hand passes and you do also.The pass out hand then doubles and it is passed around to your hand. You are void in hearts. You make a SOS redouble asking partner to bid something…anything else. The opener can also make an SOS redouble, for example he opens 1club with 3 small ones and afterward the opponents double and it is passed around to him. He calls for help with a redouble. 

3) To show general strength

This is the most common type of redouble. It's typically used after partner opens the bidding and your right-hand opponent makes a takeout double. If you redouble in this auction, it promises 10+ high-card points and sends a "This is our hand" message because you have the majority of the 40 high-card points. It suggests that you have good defensive strength in unbid suits and that you may want to double the opponents' final contract.

A redouble in this auction sets up a penalty situation. It forces the opponents to bid, and after they do, any double by you or partner is for penalty.

Or, if doubling opponents at a low level does not seem wise, it tells your partner this is our hand and we should play something or double their higher bid. 

4) Support Redouble

You open one club. Partner bids one heart and your right hand opponent doubles showing 12 plus points and diamonds and spades.. You have 3 hearts and would like to know if partner has 4 or 5 hearts. A redouble tells partner you have 3 of his major and asks if he has 4 or 5. With 5 he rebids his suit and with 4 he bids another suit.