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. As a result, redoubled contracts tend to be played very slowly.
The following bidding sequence shows a redouble in action:
South (You) | West | North (Your Partner) | East |
1♠ | 2♥ | 4♠ | 5♥ |
Double | Redouble | Pass | Pass |
Pass |
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When you doubled, you said, “I don’t think you guys can make 5♥.”
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West’s redouble said, “Oh, yeah? Well, I think that we can, and you are going to pay big time for your double!”
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Your partner then passed, which told West, “I trust my partner. Go ahead. We want to see you make 5♥.”
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East is content, in effect saying, “I trust my partner.”
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Your final pass said, “Okay, bring it on — let’s see who has made the last mistake.”
In addition to the rare redouble that follows a penalty double, bridge features a far more common use of the redouble. It occurs after your partner opens the bidding, the next hand makes a takeout double, and you have 11 HCP or more. This usually spells big trouble for your opponents. An example of this form of redouble appears in the figure below.
![image0.jpg](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/258363.image0.jpg)
The bidding for this hand may go something like this:
North (Your Partner) | East | South (You) | West |
1♥ | Double | Redouble |
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North’s bid says, “I have 12 or more HCP with at least five hearts.”
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East chimes in with a takeout double, saying, “I also have 11 or more HCP, plus support for the other suits.”
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You counter with a redouble, saying, “Partner, don’t worry about their takeout double. I have 11 or more HCP, and we have the opponents outgunned point-wise. They could be in heaps of trouble if they don’t have an eight-card fit. After all, they have to bid something, or let you play 1♥ redoubled, which you should make easily. You have hearts, and I have everything else. They may not have a home. Maybe we can lash them with a penalty double when they try to squirm out of this.”