informatory double
Very low (Technical jargon)Technical/Specialist
Definition
Meaning
In contract bridge, a bid made in a competitive auction, which is not purely natural but primarily conveys information about the strength of the hand to partner, typically a double of the opponents' bid.
A bid in bridge, specifically a takeout double that is not based on penalty expectation but informs partner of a strong hand, asking them to bid their best suit.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used exclusively in the card game of bridge. Not to be confused with a penalty double, which is intended to penalize opponents, nor with a natural bid, which shows length in the suit bid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use between British and American bridge players. Terminology is standardised internationally.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency and meaning in bridge literature and play worldwide.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Player X made an informatory double.The informatory double promised a strong hand.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just an informatory double.”
- “That's for takeout.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in texts or discussions about bridge theory.
Everyday
Not used outside of the card game.
Technical
Standard term in contract bridge.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She chose to informatory double.
- You can informatory double with that holding.
American English
- He informatory doubled their one spade opening.
- With that shape, you should informatory double.
adverb
British English
- He bid informatory double.
- She doubled informatorily.
American English
- He bid informatory double.
- She doubled informatorily.
adjective
British English
- The informatory double bid was well-judged.
- It was clearly an informatory double situation.
American English
- That's an informatory double hand.
- The informatory double call created a forcing pass.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Not applicable for A2 level.
- In bridge, an informatory double asks partner to bid.
- My partner made an informatory double.
- After the opponents opened one heart, his informatory double showed a strong balanced hand.
- An informatory double is usually treated as for takeout by partner.
- The subtle distinction between a penalty double and an informatory double is crucial in competitive auctions.
- Experts use informatory doubles to convey precise information about hand strength and distribution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think INFOrmatory - it's purpose is to give INFO to your partner.
Conceptual Metaphor
A signal or question, rather than an attack.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "информационный дубль". The correct bridge term in Russian is "информативный дабл" or "информативный дубль".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a penalty double.
- Using it in non-bridge contexts.
- Assuming it shows a desire to defeat the contract doubled.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an informatory double in bridge?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern standard bridge, 'informatory double' and 'takeout double' are essentially synonymous, though 'takeout double' is the more common term.
Yes, it's a fundamental convention learned early. Beginners are taught that a double of a suit contract at a low level is usually for takeout (informatory).
Typically, yes. It shows a hand strong enough to compete and implies at least three-card support for the unbid major suits, or a more flexible shape.
It depends on your partnership agreements. Usually, you are still expected to bid your best suit unless you have a very strong hand yourself, in which case you might pass to convert it to a penalty double.