The effect of doubling, re-doubling, and so on, is that the value of
each trick above six is doubled, quadrupled, and so on.
* * * * *
After the trump declaration has been made by the dealer or his partner,
their adversaries have the right to double. The eldest hand has the
first right. If he does not wish to double, he may ask his partner, "May
I lead?" His partner shall answer, "Yes," or "I double."
* * * * *
If either of their adversaries elect to double, the dealer and his
partner have the right to re-double. The player who has declared the
trump shall have the first right. He may say, "I re-double" or
"Satisfied." Should he say the latter, his partner may re-double.
* * * * *
If the dealer or his partner elect to re-double, their adversaries shall
have the right to again double. The original doubler has the first
right.
* * * * *
If the right-hand adversary of the dealer double before his partner has
asked "May I lead?" the declarer of the trump shall have the right to
say whether or not the double shall stand. If he decide that the double
shall stand, the process of re-doubling may continue as described
above.
* * * * *
The process of re-doubling may be continued indefinitely.[A] The first
right to continue the re-doubling on behalf of a partnership belongs to
that player who has last re-doubled. Should he, however, express himself
satisfied, the right to continue the re-doubling passes to his partner.
Should any player re-double out of turn, the adversary who last doubled
shall decide whether or not such double shall stand. If it is decided
that the re-double shall stand, the process of re-doubling may continue
as described in this and foregoing laws. If any double or re-double out
of turn be not accepted, there shall be no further doubling in that
hand. Any consultation between partners as to doubling or re-doubling
will entitle the maker of the trump or the eldest hand, without
consultation, to a new deal.
[A] In some clubs, doubling ceases whenever the value of the
odd trick exceeds one hundred points; in other clubs the
limit is placed at two hundred points.
* * * * *
If the eldest hand lead before the doubling be completed, his partner
may re-double only with the consent of the adversary who last doubled;
but such lead shall not affect the right of either adversary to double.
* * * * *
When the question, "May I lead?" has been answered in the affirmative,
or when the player who has the last right to continue the doubling
expresses himself satisfied, the play shall begin.
* * * * *
Should the eldest hand lead without asking permission, his partner may
double, but only if the maker of the trump consent.
* * * * *
Should the right-hand adversary of the dealer ask permission to lead,
the eldest hand does not thereby lose his right to double. Should the
right-hand adversary of the dealer double before his partner has asked
"May I lead?" the maker of the trump shall have the right to say whether
or not the double shall stand. If he decide that the double shall
stand, the process of re-doubling may continue.
* * * * *
If the right-hand adversary of the dealer lead out of turn, the maker of
the trump may call a suit from the eldest hand, who may only double if
the maker of the trump consent.
* * * * *
A declaration as to doubling or re-doubling once made cannot be altered.