Mel's Rule of 9
The Rule of Nine is a concept employed by the responder ANYTIME partner doubles for takeout.
1 |
DBL | Pass | ??? |
| 2 |
DBL | Pass | ??? |
| 3 |
DBL | Pass | ??? |
1 |
DBL | 3 |
Pass |
| Pass | DBL | Pass | ??? |
| 2 |
DBL | 3 |
Pass |
| Pass | DBL | Pass | ??? |
| 3 |
DBL | 4 |
Pass |
| Pass | DBL | Pass | ??? |
1 |
1 |
Pass | 2 |
| DBL | Pass | ??? |
| 1 |
2 |
Pass | Pass |
| DBL | Pass | ??? |
Here is an example using the last bidding sequence.
The question for Opener, is whether to re-open the bidding with a double. The situation is that LHO has made an overcall, which is then followed by two passes. There could be two reasons why partner passed:
- Partner has no values.
- Partner has values and wanted to make a Penalty Double, but could not since a double would have been interpreted as meaning the two unbid suits.
In determining the correct reason as to why Partner passed, the inference made by Opener is that Partner:
- has values if Opener is short in the suit of the opponent, two or less.
- In the case that Opener holds three or more cards in the suit of the opponent, then the inference is that Partner has no values, with which to bid.
Therefore, Opener should follow the guidelines below when deciding to reopen the auction with a double:
- 1. Re-open the bidding with a double if the number of cards held in the suit of the opponent is two or less. This guideline holds true even if the holding of Opener is not up to standard for a Takeout or Reopening Double.
- 2. Pass, completing the auction, in order to defend based on the inference that holding three cards or more in the suit of the opponent, partner has no values. This is the normal guideline. In the case that Opener has substantially more values to continue the auction independently, then Opener should take such action by bidding another unbid suit or employing a cuebid per partnership agreement and allowing partner to make a preference bid. A double, in this instance, should not be employed.
When Opener decides to re-open the auction with a double, then the partner should take some action. The Rule of Nine assists Partner in deciding to take the correct action. However, the partner, after a reopening double, should:
- 1. Bid his/her best suit.
- 2. Raise the suit of the partner, in this case Opener, with a minimum of two or more but no less.
- 3. Pass for penalty when holding length and defensive values in the suit of the opponent.
The Rule of Nine can assist the partner, who has been forced to respond, in arriving at the best action. The concept is explained below:
Partner, adds:
- a. the level of the contract plus
- b. the number of cards held in the suit of the opponent and
- c. the number of honors held in the suit of the opponent (this includes the 10)
If the calculated number is nine or more, then Partner passes for penalty.
If the calculated number is eight or less, then Partner should bid.
For example, if Partner, in the above example, held AQ987, which is the suit of the opponent, then the calculation is:
- Level = 2
- Number of cards held in the suit of the opponent = 5
- Number of honors held in the suit of the opponent = 2
- Total = 9
- Rule of Nine: Partner should Pass
Another example, if Partner, in the above example, held AQ97, which is the suit of the opponent, then the calculation is:
- Level = 2
- Number of cards held in the suit of the opponent = 4
- Number of honors held in the suit of the opponent = 2
- Total = 8
- Rule of Nine: Partner should take some competitive action.
The Rule of 9 is NOT designed for a player to make a unilateral penalty double on their own, It only applies after partner has made a take out double and their partner is deciding whether or not to leave it in for penalties.
The Rule of 9 has an approximate 85-90% success rate. For more details and for exceptions, see How to Play Like an Expert by Mel Colchamiro