Help
Just been having a think about Lightner doubles. Do they actually give out a profit given that:
a) It stops you doubling when it's going loads off if you want the normal lead, or the non-specified lead.
b) Often, partner won't know what do lead.
c) Opponents might be able to run.
d) You might not get any more tricks other than the ruff you ask for a trick 1.
e) Opponents might redouble.
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Are Lightner doubles actually worth it?
#1
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Posted 2015-October-03, 21:10
#2
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Posted 2015-October-03, 22:58
Take 2 aspirins and get a good, long sleep and see if things look clearer in the morning 
#3
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Posted 2015-October-03, 23:11
mr1303, on 2015-October-03, 21:10, said:
Just been having a think about Lightner doubles. Do they actually give out a profit given that:
a) It stops you doubling when it's going loads off if you want the normal lead, or the non-specified lead.
b) Often, partner won't know what do lead.
c) Opponents might be able to run.
d) You might not get any more tricks other than the ruff you ask for a trick 1.
e) Opponents might redouble.
a) It stops you doubling when it's going loads off if you want the normal lead, or the non-specified lead.
b) Often, partner won't know what do lead.
c) Opponents might be able to run.
d) You might not get any more tricks other than the ruff you ask for a trick 1.
e) Opponents might redouble.
I guess it depends on the level of bridge.
a) Good players shouldn't bid such a slam very often. If they did, be very happy with the undoubled penalty.
b) The rules about what to lead are pretty straightforward.
c,d,e) If the opponents are making a small slam despite losing an unexpected trick, they should have been bidding the grand slam.
#4
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Posted 2015-October-04, 12:10
I've seen both sides.
One partner made me stop after a string of -550 vs, -460 but I also had a good one against 3nt with AK tight of rho's long suit and a KQJT on the side.
They are worth it but there is a learning curve.
One partner made me stop after a string of -550 vs, -460 but I also had a good one against 3nt with AK tight of rho's long suit and a KQJT on the side.
They are worth it but there is a learning curve.
When a deaf person goes to court is it still called a hearing?
What is baby oil made of?
What is baby oil made of?
#5
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Posted 2015-October-04, 21:18
Yes.
Just don't abuse them.
Not a "silver hammer" (then everything looks like a nail).
Just don't abuse them.
Not a "silver hammer" (then everything looks like a nail).
Be the partner you want to play with.
Trust demands integrity, balance and collaboration.
District 11
Unit 124
Steve Moese
Trust demands integrity, balance and collaboration.
District 11
Unit 124
Steve Moese
#6
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Posted 2015-October-04, 21:37
Most of the problems you cite with Lightner doubles can be a problem at matchpoints. But at IMPs they're not as much of an issue. If they manage to make the contract anyway, the double bonus they get is not many IMPs compared to the potential gain if you do manage to set them. You're risking 280 point loss for 1080 gain.
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