[profron]

Would you double your opponent's 6S slam holding 8765432 KJ54 K K? Not only that, but your partner showed a weak hand with at least 55 in the minors.

Hint! It is cold!!

[johnu]

If you were on lead with 7 trumps, a trump lead would beat 6.

Would you double 7♣ with

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The famous Duke of Cumberland hand.

[trolley813]

With the Duke of Cumberland hand, it is actually better to sacrifice with 7♥ or 7♠. As far as I can count, it's down 3 at most (so minus 800 when doubled and vulnerable), opposed to minus 2660 for 7♣ made and vulnerable.

[profron]

I wonder why the original hand wasn't changed so that 7S was the final contract, not allowing the opponents to make such a lucrative save?

[trolley813]

profron, on 2020-October-22, 17:03, said:

I wonder why the original hand wasn't changed so that 7S was the final contract, not allowing the opponents to make such a lucrative save?

That's probably because this hand is quite old and is initially a whist hand (where all suits were equal). Actually, I'm wrong, South always has the ability to save in 7NT (there was no notrump option in whist).

[profron]

Excellent points. Thanks!!!

[Cyberyeti]

profron, on 2020-October-20, 17:20, said:

Would you double your opponent's 6S slam holding 8765432 KJ54 K K? Not only that, but your partner showed a weak hand with at least 55 in the minors.

Hint! It is cold!!

I'd certainly double it if I was on lead and I suspected neither of the opps had 6 of them from the auction.

Reminds me of a similar hand which David Burn constructed where both sides could make 4♥.

[johnu]

Cyberyeti, on 2020-October-23, 14:29, said:

I'd certainly double it if I was on lead and I suspected neither of the opps had 6 of them from the auction.

Reminds me of a similar hand which David Burn constructed where both sides could make 4♥.

I wouldn't double because the opponents have violated one of Burn's laws. I would be afraid they would convert to another suit or NT contract that is makeable.