Takeout double

A.  When a double is takeout

The following lists the doubles that are takeout doubles:

Level	When such a double is for takeout
(1A)	If the double is not negative or support
(1NT)	Sometimes -- see here for details
(2A)	If a fit has not been reached, and the double is not negative, support or invitational
(3m)	If a fit has not been reached, and if the double is not invitational
(4m)	For (4m) opening only

A takeout doubler usually promises 10+ points and 3+ cards in all unbid suits unless

• he has 18+ points; or
• he has 3+ cards in two unbid suits and stopper in opponent's suit.

In case two suits has been bid, the takeout doubler usually has 4+ cards in the two unbid suits, unless he has a very strong hand.

B.  Responses and Development

When a takeout double has been bid, responder must respond as follows, except when it is interfered by opponent.

Bid	Meaning
Pass	Converting takeout to penalty (usually first lead a trump)
Non-jump bid of a new suit	0-9 points, 4+ cards
Lowest available NT	0-9 points, no 4-card side suit [System OFF]
Jump bid of a new suit	10-14 points, 4+ cards
Jump to NT	10-14 points, stopper in opponent's suit(s) [System OFF]
Cue bid opponent's suit	15+ points

In case responder makes a non-jump bid of a new suit, the takeout doubler may pass or continue as follows:

Bid	Meaning
Correct to NT	To play (stopper in opponent's suit(s))
Raise the suit	Invite to game
Double raise the suit	Strongly invite to game
Jump to 2NT	Invite to 3NT (stopper in opponent's suit(s))
Bid a new suit	18-21 points
Jump to a new suit	22+ points

 

C.  Other notes

Takeout double overcalled

When overcalled, the takeout double ceases. However, partner may still bid his 4-card (or above suits) according to the following guideline:

• At 1-level, bid a 4-card suit with 5 points or above.
• Increase the number of points required by 2 for each level higher.
• Decrease the number of points required by 2 for each of the fifth and subsequent cards.
• Vulnerability may be taken into account for minor adjustments.

Takeout double redoubled

If partner's takeout double is (redoubled), normally responder should just ignore the redouble and bid as usual (DORA rule). However, responder may pass when holding a weak hand and has no 4-card unbid suit to bid.

Second double

If the first takeout double is overcalled and partner passes, a second double is still takeout provided that it satisfies the relevant criteria.

However, if partner has responded after the first takeout, a fit is deemed to have been reached then a second takeout is for penalty.


Responder has bid before

If the responder of a takeout double has bid before, rebid the suit only with extra values on top of what the first bid promises. Otherwise, the takeout doubler is usually looking for some secondary support in a side suit, so it is okay to bid a new suit with just 3 cards.

Using 3NT and 4NT as takeout double

Since the takeout double is used up to (3D), doubles at (3H) or above are used for penalty in general. To takeout, 3NT and 4NT are used. After (3M) > 3NT or (4X) > 4NT, partner bids a new suit unless interfered or with the belief that the NT contract can be made, subject to the following notes:

• If a natural NT has been reached prior to the (3M) > 3NT or (4X) > 4NT bid, such bid should be taken to be natural rather than takeout.
• Against opponent's (4m) opening, X is used for takeout instead of 4NT.