[chasetb]

I pass, because my partners would pull with a big 2-suiter or a big 1-suiter rather than Xing, and because my trump holding inspires no confidence - somebody posted on these forums that they believe that xx in a suit is a big no-no in bidding on, and after going through a bunch of my past hands I've had to agree. This could be the wrong decision, but I've been wrong before and I'll be wrong again, so I'll pass and rip them on defense.

[shevek]

It's a real hand and bidding is 9 IMPs out, exchanging +200 for -200.

Really, it depends upon what partner is prone to do. If she thinks it's usual to double again on a semi-balanced 18-count, then pass is obvious.

However, if the expectation is some good hand with 0-1 hearts, not 5 spades, then it seems quite close to me.
Opposite that, the single most likely outcome is probably 10 tricks a piece but (all?) the other layouts show a plus for bidding 4NT with such a pure hand & a guaranteed 9-card fit.
♠Axxx ♥--- ♦KQJxx ♣KQxx

is admittedly a VERY specific double game swing. Small changes mean one side makes game. Also note that -500 gains 7 IMPs against -790.

Anyway, good to see the panel was split roughly 50-50.

Thanks all.

[ggwhiz]

I don't have a strong opinion on the hand but do have a strong opinion/postion in my partnership.

We don't pull this double unless we think we have a live shot at making a plus on offence.

My pard will forgive me if they make it a lot faster than if I pull and go down. I'll eat the losses to maintain partnership integrity.

[jdeegan]

I dunno.

To me this hand is right on the cusp. Behind in the match I bid 5♣, ahead I would probably pass.

[han]

Yes 1H - Dbl - 4H - p - p - Dbl is extremely different from 4H - Dbl. The opponents are certain to have a great fit and partner is much more likely to have short hearts.

I want to echo that 3/4 IMPs EV is really big, there are very few decisions with such a big EV.