Takeout Doubles
THIS A CONVENTIONAL METHOD OF ASKING PARTNER TO BID HIS BEST SUIT.
1). A takeout double shows opening points or better.
2). It shows support for the unbid suits. Support means at least 3 cards.
3). It must have a shortage in the opener's suit.
4). The doubler has no 5 card suit to overcall.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THE DOUBLER
Do not count a Queen or Jack of the enemy suit in your total. They are useless points.
A DOUBLE IS FOR TAKEOUT WHEN:
1). The bidding is below game. e.g. LHO You RHO Partner
1D Pass 3D X
2). The doubler has not made a call.
3). The doubler's partner has not made a call.
4). The opponents have bid a suit, not NT.
An example
North East East' Hand
1H ? SAQ87
H6
D AK76
C J872
East cannot overcall because he/she doesn't have a 5 card suit.
Therefore needs partner to choose the trump suit, hence the double.
RESPONSES TO TAKEOUT DOUBLES
1). When partner makes a takeout double and the next player passes, you must find a response, no matter how weak your hand may be.
2). When the next player bids over the double, you are relieved of the responsibility of finding a response with a weak hand.
3). When partner makes a takeout double, you are expected to choose the contract.
NB. The only exception is if you have at least 4 playing tricks in the doubled suit, then you may pass for penalties. Although at the one level is a bit risky.
Points You should:
0-8 a). Bid your longest of the other three suits. Prefer a major over a minor with 2 suits of equal length.
b). Bid 1NT with a balanced hand and a stopper in the enemy suit.
9-11 a).Jump with a 4 or 5 card suit (prefer a major).
b). Bid game with a 6 card major.
c). Bid 2NT with a double stopper in the enemy suit.
12 or more a). Bid game with a 6 card or good 5 card major.
b). Bid 3NT with a double stopper in the enemy suit.
e.g. South West North East East's hand
1C Dbl pass S.J87 KQ984
H. Q9854 754
D.K87 AK87
C. 7 6 8
Bid 1H Not enough points for game. Bid 45. Partner has at least 3S, as
you've a singleton & enough for game
