This article accompanies the quiz 'The Takeout double'.

Takeout double is a bid double after opponents' opening with a suit on any level. On this article we'll concentrate on a takeout double after 1 level opening. 

Example:

Opponent opens 1♥, and now it's your turn to bid.

What do you need to bid a takeout double? 

1. 12+ points.
2. Shortness in opponent's suit. 
3. At least 3 cards (tolerance) in ALL other suits (between 12 and 16 points). 

Comments:

a. Some players have an agreement that to double in this position you need 4 cards in major (in this case it would be Spades) but, you can be more flexible by having at least 3 cards in the other suits.

b. If you have 17+ points, then you can double with ANY distribution with a hand which isn't suitable for a 1NT overcall (no need for tolerance for all other suits nor to be short in opponent's suit).  

c. You're sitting West

This is not a normal takeout double as the double doesn't come on the second seat but on the 4^th seat (balancing seat) after 2 consecutive passes. That means that bidding is going to end if you pass. Where are all the points? Clearly, your right opponent is very weak for his pass (showing 0-5 points). That means partner must have some points but did not bid, why? It's likely partner has a hand which isn't suitable for a take out double (maybe a missing suit or length in Heart). So, you need to protect your partner and reopen the bid. The double here shows (8)9+ points and tolerance for all other suits.  

Notes:

• Overcall is limited up to 16 points. Level 1 overcall can be used with 9-16 points and a good 5 cards in a suit, whereas a level 2 overcall is for between 12-16 points with a good suit. 
• The second hand bids must be solid regarding overcalls and takeout double. However, 4^th hand (balancing) bids can be lighter to protect partner on the 2^nd seat.
• If you have an overcall hand with 17-20 points, then double 1^st, and later bid your suit. That way you'll show a big double hand (or Super Overcall). 
• If you’ve doubled, and then your opponent passes, your partner MUST bid. Why? Because your double on opponent's 1♥ bid was a Takeout double, and if you pass on it then the double will remain as penalty (the final contract will be 1♥ Doubled). If you leave it like this, your opponent’s can win lots of points (every overtrick wins 100 points not vulnerable and 200 points vulnerable). 
  So, partner MUST bid, in order to cancel the double. Therefore, given partner might not have points and a bad 4 card suit, you have to have at least 12+ points and 3 cards in all suits so that partner knows, no matter which suit they pick, you’ll have at least 3 cards in it.

So, what are possible responses to partner's takeout double? 

a. Any suit bids, without a jump, shows 0-8 points. 

b. Any suit bids with a jump, is showing 9-11 points (could be 4 cards):

You're sitting West

Your bid here shows 9-11 points and 4 cards in Spades. 

c. With a game forcing hand you can bid opponents' suit (a Cue bid). Or, if you have 5 cards in the other major and game values (including distributional points) you can bid directly to game level (as you know that partner has at least 3 cards in that major + opening values): 

You can count that you and partner have at least 25 points and at least 8 cards in Spades (your partner has 3 cards and you have 5 cards). 

d. Responding Takeout Double with No Trump is the same as NT responses after a normal opening, but you also need to have a stopper in opponent's suit. So, after 1♥ by opponent and Double by partner, your bid will be:

1NT= 6-10 points with a stopper in Hearts.

2NT = 11-12 points with a stopper(s) in Hearts.

3NT = 13-15 points with a stopper(s) in Hearts. 

e. If, after the double, your right-hand opponent makes a bid, then you are on a free bid, and MAY pass, as the double is canceled by the opponent. You may bid though, if you have something. 

f. An unusual situation can occur where you have good trumps and points. You can then consider passing (especially if opponents are vulnerable), which is the strongest response you can make, leaving the double as a penalty double on a 1 level contract. 

If your hand isn't suitable for a takeout double (no 3 cards in all other suits or not enough points) then you need to pass with a minimum hand. Note that partner can bid later with a weaker hand (balancing), realizing you might have points but no bid. 

Have a go at putting this into practice

About the Author

Oren Lidor is considered one of the best bridge teachers in Israel, is the author of 5 bridge books, and teaches bridge to people from all over the world on BBO.