Lionel convention

Following the Lionel double, the partner of the double responds as follows:

(1NT) - dbl - (pass) - ??

pass = 10+ hcp, all subsequent doubles for penalty

2♣ = pass-or-correct bid (doubler to pass or bid second suit)

2♦ = Non-forcing, diamond length (typically 5+) with heart tolerance. Doubler can bid 2♥ with hearts as second suit and less than two diamonds.

2♥ = Natural, non-forcing

2♠ = Weak Raise

2NT = Invitational spade raise without a singleton side suit

3♣/♦/♥ = Invitational spade raise with singleton or void in bid suit

3♠ = preemptive raise

After a minor suit Lionel overcall, the responses are straightforward. For instance:

(1NT) - 2♣ - (pass) - ??

Pass = to play

2♦ = to play

2♥ = weak raise

2♠ = to play

2NT = invitational heart raise

3♣ = preemptive

3♥ = preemptive

Like using Brozel, CoCa or DONT, using Lionel has the consequence of losing the penalty double over opponent's 1NT. Although this is often seen as a loss, Lionel Wright argued that this loss turns into an advantage as it opens the possibility to defend 1NT doubled with split points between you and your partner. As a balanced holding of the majority of points is far more likely to occur than holding the majority of points in an imbalanced way, a conventional non-penalty double over 1NT holds the potential of paying-off on many hands. Also, non-penalty doubles are more difficult to deal with than traditional business doubles.[2]

• List of defenses to 1NT