You hold :   ♠ 8 4,  ♥ J 7 6 4,  ♦ A 9 2,  ♣ K Q 10 5.

The bidding is opened 1♠ on your right. You pass and 2♠ on your left is passed round to you.

   Quite a few players would pass this without thinking. However, when the opponents have found a fit but aren’t that strong, it’s worth trying to compete. Here, it is far from clear where our best contract is, but we have a way to find out.

   Yes, a take out double is a good shot. Partner won’t get carried away, expecting an opening hand, as we weren’t able to double the first time round. And whatever partner bids, we just pass. Even if we simply push the opponents up to 3♠ and they make it we’re no worse off and who knows they may go one down.

   Particularly in pairs, it’s important to compete for the part-score. So, always think twice before passing out the opponents bid at the two level – especially when they have found a fit.