You are South. What is your bid if East (your right hand opponent) opens 1♣, 2♣ (strong, conventional) or 3♣ (pre-emptive) respectively?

Solution

After East's 1♣ opening you double, for take-out. You have sufficient points and the ideal distribution for the double. Whatever suit partner now bids, it is welcome.

After East's 2♣ opening you pass. You don't have a choice. A double would show a good club suit. After all, you double a conventional bid. I wouldn't be practical to give the double a different meaning. Your right hand opponent has either the strength for a game forcing or he has a balanced hand with at least 23 points. So you have no reason for trying to compete. Be very still (and avoid pondering before you pass, since the opponents will notice and conclude you have some strength) in order not to give information to declarer, information that would ease dummy play.

After East's 3♣ opening you double, for take-out. True, your strength is about the lower limit of what is required for a double on the three level but your distribution makes up for that. You have a fit in any suit partner now bids. If partner bids 3NT, holding a club guard and no four card major, he may be a little bit disappointed. Hopefully your two tens will somewhat compensate for the fact you have 14 points only.