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72 - APRIL 2026

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BIDDING BASICS DOUBLES

In his new series Larry Cohen takes an in-depth look at the basic principles of bidding.

Direct-seat doubles at the one level

The takeout double is the oldest convention in bridge. Soon after the concept of the double was introduced in 1925, the theorists realized that it didn’t have to be used only to double the score (the original purpose). In today’s game, it is rare that a double is used as penalty ("let’s play for double the points").

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Larry Cohen

Larry Cohen is one of America’s top writers and teachers, having semi-retired from top-level competition in 2009. His To Bid or Not to Bid; The LAW of Total Tricks is one of the best-selling bridge books of all time.

Articles: 32

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