[harikannan]

Today i played a hand when my LHO (dealer) opened weak 2d and my partner overcalled 2h (promises 5+ decent heart suit and good opening values). My RHO doubled for penalty. I redoubled with a small singleton in hearts, intending it as SOS. But my partner left it in and we went 3 off. I am under the impression that at 1 or 2 level, a XX of penalty X is SOS. A clarification is most appreciated. Thanks.

[DavidKok]

It depends on your agreements. I would normally expect this to be SOS. However, it is important to keep in mind on auctions like this that it's going to be a bloodbath if you have a misfit and are already at the 2♥ level. Your opponent most likely did not double you on thin air. It is often best to sit for the double and accept the penalty, as any other suit may be worse still. For SOS to be right you need a lot of shape, along with an inability to pull to a suit on your own. It is a rare bid, I expect pass or simply bidding the cheaper remaining suit to be better most of the time.