Topics What does the T/O double show? Responses when RHO passes Responses when RHO redoubles Responses when RHO bids a suit Responses when RHO raises Doubles over RHO’s bid Cheap bid responses Jump bid Responses NT Responses Q-bid Responses

Comment: A takeout double, according to ‘the Bridge Guys’ is a low-level double under certain circumstances requesting partner to bid an unbid suit. It’s far too useful to waste it on a few hands, so along with it, we’ll discuss some exceptions… Example 1 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1H. You double, for take-out (ask partner to bid one of the other suits) This is the type of hand your partner will expect you to have - opening values, and support for the unbid suits ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ KJ76 42 Q63 AK54

Considerations: Showing Support – your first responsibility 1.A simple raise shows 5 – 9 HCP and at least 3 of your partner’s suit 2.A simple jump raise shows less than invitational values and at least 4 cards in partner’s suit 3.A jump bid should show good support and a singleton or void in the bid suit 4.A double jump raise shows 5 cards in your partner’s suit and promises very few outside values 5.A jump to game should always be treated as preemptive 6.A jump bid of 2NT shows a limit raise or better and denies a singleton or void

Other bids 1. A new suit at the one level does not imply or deny 3-card support for partner. It is forcing for one round 2.A bid of 1NT likely shows 2-card support and 7-9 HCP 3.A new suit at the 2-level denies 3-card support, and is non-forcing 4.A pass may be used to see what the opponents do. It does not deny support or a good hand. 5.A redouble typically does not show a fit, but does show 10+ HCP 6.A bid of 3NT is to play 7.A bid of 4NT is key card Blackwood 8.A bid of a suit at the 5-level is exclusion Blackwood, asking for key cards outside the (void) bid suit

Example 2 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1H. AQ8 54 QJT53 KJ3 A reasonable takeout double. Three-card or better support the other three suits and an un-biddable diamond suit. (Trust me – it’s not a 2D bid) ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣

Example 3 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. QJ432 7 KQ75 KJ4 Bid 1 ♠, because you want to and you can! Also, you won’t know what to do if you double and partner bids 2 ♣ Isn’t spades where you’ll likely end up playing this? ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣

Example 4 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. You need to take action with these hands, and it is OK to double when you have only three cards in the unbid major as long as the rest of your hand measures up ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ QT5 76 KQ84 KJ87

Example 5 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Bid 1NT. This overcall should promise This hand rates to be stronger than most 16 point hands, so you should be safe. If you double, how will partner ever know you have a hand like this? ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ KJ8 AT8 J98 AQT9

Example 6 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Double, and plan to bid spades later. Your hand is too good for a 1 ♠ overcall This sequence should show points. ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ AQ AT9 AQT

Example 7 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Double. (Don’t raise your voice or slam down the red card!) You’ll sometimes double with some really big hands. If you double and then bid a minor, you promise a little more. ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ AQJ AQ43 AKQ107

Example 8 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. I know you really want to do something with a hand like this. The best something is a pass! Anything else is a misrepresentation of your hand. ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ Q2 AT98 AK4 J1085

Example 9 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Bid 2 ♦. Tell partner ‘where you live’ A double is a close second ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ QT2 4 AK5432 A32

Example 10 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Bid 3 ♦. This is a great preempt. Partner should not do anything but raise with fewer than 17 points. ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ QT2 A T

Example 10 Assume no one is vulnerable and your RHO opens with 1 ♥. Pass smoothly. Don’t fidgit and pass, or partner will be banned from taking any action (should he have a hand that warrants it) ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ A2 AQT864 T9 KT4

Your partner would like you to be , but knows that’s unlikely, so you can take liberties You must have at least 3 cards in the other suits and a hand you’d have opened. With 5 or more spades, bid it at some level Bid NT with a good NT hand BE CONSISTENT - BID YOUR HAND!

Test Question 11 BOTH VULNERABLE YOU ARE EAST Bid 4 ♣ Partner’s double is takeout, demanding that you bid one of his suits. You don’t have to, and could convert to penalty with a pass, but you do need ‘Tricks’ – and you sure don’t have them! ♠♥♦♣♠♥♦♣ WNES PPP 1♠1♠ 2 ♠* DBLPass3♦3♦ DBLP? * Michaels, showing Hearts and a Minor