Takeout Double - A double demanding partner to make a call in a new strain,
made as a competitive bid to either win the auction or make it more
difficult for opponents to make a higher level contract. The Takeout
Double was independently created by Charles Patton and Bryant McCampbell in
1912.
Takeout Double - Part 1
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Takeout Double Responses:
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Takeout Double Bidding Continuations:
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Factors to
consider when making a Takeout Double after Right Hand Opponent opens the
auction include:
1. |
Lacking a biddable 5+ card
suit |
2. |
Less than opening values
using dummy distribution point
hand evaluation |
3. |
Hand shape is 3+ cards in
unbid suits unless maximum values (see below) |
4. |
Not suitable for a Notrump
overcall - Notrump opening values plus 2 stoppers |
5. |
Reasonable auction level
based on vulnerability |
6. |
Preferably has 4 cards in
the opposite major if opponent opens in a major suit or 3 cards with two
honors in the major |
7. |
Rank of opponent suit -
Takeout of Spades requires more points since advancing partner must bid
at a higher level |
8. |
Vulnerability - more with
adverse vulnerability, less with favorable vulnerability |
9. |
In balancing (passout)
seat, subtract 3 points from normal requirements ("borrow a King") |
10. |
Other: see
Environmental Factors |
Generally,
the point threshold for making a Takeout Double:
1. |
1 level |
12+ with opponent suit
doubleton, 11+ with singleton, 10+ with void |
2. |
2 level |
14+ ... |
3. |
3 level |
16+ ... |
4. |
Double followed by 1N |
Above natural 1N
opener (i.e., 18-19 by most players) |
5. |
Double followed by new
suit |
18+ and very good 5+ card
suit (except 2D over Clubs when playing
Equal Level Conversion
Doubles) |
6. |
Double followed by a
raise of partner's first step suit bid |
4+ cards in suit and:
If playing preemptive/competitive: 12-15 points
If playing solid constructive: 17-18 points |
7. |
Double followed by a
jump in partner's first step suit bid: |
19-21 points |
8. |
Double followed by
Double, followed by new suit |
Game forcing (unusual) |
9. |
Double followed by a
Cuebid |
22+ points, game forcing -
contract pending |
Responder's actions in response to Takeout Double (remember to subtract 3
points if doubler
was in the balancing (passout) seat:
1. |
First step mandatory
|
0-8 distribution points
(declarer) |
2. |
First step freebid |
5-8 distribution points
(declarer) |
3. |
1N |
8-10 points with opponent
suit stoppers or length and no biddable suit |
4. |
2N |
11-12 points with opponent
suit stoppers or length and no biddable suit |
5. |
3N |
13-15 points with opponent
suit stoppers or length and no biddable suit |
6. |
Second step
(jump) |
9-11 distribution points
(declarer) |
7. |
Double jump (three
level):
|
Less than game-going values
in responder's hand (typically 8-10 HCP) with a 6+ card long major suit |
8. |
Pass |
Rarely convert to
penalty, likely holding a 6+ card opponent suit - doubler should lead
trump and deplete opener of trump |
9. |
Game jump or cuebid:
|
12+ distribution points
(declarer) |
Also see Doubles, Negative Double,
Responsive Double, Books on
Doubles |