Lesson 4
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
Normally, (assuming the RHO passes) the doubler's partner should make a descriptive bid indicating a long suit of his own and the high-card strength: A minimal-level bid of a suit indicates a weak hand (normally, below 9 high-card points). A jump-bid of a suit shows a long (at least a 4-card) suit and invites the partner to bid on if the double was not minimal. Normally, such bid is made with 9-11 points. A bid of 1NT shows 8-10 HCP and balanced hand with at least one stopper in the opponent's suit. A bid of 2NT shows 11-12 HCP and balanced hand with stopper(s). With any hand of opening-bid strength or higher, the responder should cue-bid opponent's suit. The doubler is supposed to make a descriptive bid Finally, the takeout double can be passed for penalties in extreme situations, when the hand has 5-6 or more excellent trumps (this is termed a "penalty pass"). The doubler is supposed to lead a trump, so that the opponent's trumps can be drawn. For this reason, it's not recommended that a takeout double be made with a void in the suit doubled.
If the RHO bids, the doubler's partner is not forced to make a bid anymore; if one is made, it is a free bid, indicating a certain strength and/or length in the suit bid. The strength requirements above are lowered when the partner is known to be stronger (e.g. an opponents' preempt is doubled), and raised when partner can be weak.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
1
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
On #1 with 13 HCP and 4 spades, you make a classic takeout double On #2 with 17 HCP a balanced hand and the heart suit stopped you make a 1NT overcall, partner can check back with Stayman to inquire if you have a 4 card spade suit. On #3 with 18 HCP you would double first then bid 1NT. On #4 with 21 HCP you would double first then bid 2NT. With 20-21 HCP you would double then bid 2NT. Remember bidding 2NT over 1 Heart is Unusual showing 5/5 in the minors.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
2
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
“When partner makes a takeout double, the advancer with a hand worth 0 to 8 total points must bid something if the right-hand opponent (RHO) passes. The advancer should bid a four-card or longer major suit at the cheapest level or a four-card or longer minor suit at the cheapest level. With stoppers in the opponent’s suit, the advancer can bid 1NT with 8-10 HCP. “If the opponent on the advancer’s right makes a bid, the advancer can pass with a weak hand of 0 to 5 points, but should try to compete with a minimum hand of 6 to 8 total points.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
3
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
“With a hand in the range of 9 to 11 total points, the advancer should jump one level to show partner that the hand has almost enough for game. This is an invitational bid. Opener can pass with a minimum takeout double (13 or 14 total points) and carry on with extra strength. The advancer also can jump to 2NT with stoppers in the opponent’s suit and 11-12 HCP.” “When the advancer bids with 9 to 11 total points following partner’s takeout double, the advancer jumps in a four-card or longer major suit if there is one in the hand. Without one, the advancer jumps in a four-card or longer minor suit. The advancer also can jump to 2NT with stoppers in the opponent’s suit with 11 or 12 HCP.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
4
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
When the advancer has 12 or more total points, the partnership should have enough combined strength for game. The advancer can jump directly to game in a major suit or to 3NT (13+ HCP) with stoppers in the opponent’s suit. As in responding to an opening bid, the advancer rarely jumps to game in a minor suit, preferring 3NT unless the hand is very unbalanced. With 12 or more total points, but uncertain as to the best game contract, the advancer should cuebid the opponent’s suit following partner’s takeout double. Therefore “When advancing to a takeout double with 12 or more total points, the advancer makes sure that the partnership gets to game.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
5
Lesson 5
Responding to Takeout Doubles
6/14/2015
6
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
As when rebidding after making an opening bid, the takeout doubler puts the hand into one of three categories according to the strength (using dummy points): Minimum 13 to 15 total points Medium 16 to 18 total points Maximum 19 to 21 total points
If the advancer bids at the cheapest level and you have a minimum hand, what should you do? (Pass.) With a medium hand, you can raise gently to the next level. You don’t expect partner to go further. With a maximum hand, you still don’t have enough to bid game, since partner may have nothing. It’s quite likely that partner has very little, since your opponent also has 13 or more points. You can jump raise, strongly inviting partner to bid game but leaving room for partner to pass with nothing. “If partner shows 9 to 11 total points by making a jump response, you pass only with a bare minimum of 13 or 14 total points. Otherwise, you carry on to game. If the advancer has cuebid, bid your best suit, preferably a major. If the advancer has jumped to game, showing 12 or more total points, you don’t need to bid on unless you are interested in slam (unlikely when the opponents open the bidding). Therefore “When rebidding after making a takeout double, you must be very careful if partner shows a minimum hand. Pass with a minimum hand, raise one level with a medium hand and give a jump raise with a maximum hand.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
7
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
Reopening double is a form of takeout double bid by the opener himself, after his left-hand opponent has overcalled and partner has passed. As normal takeout double, it shows support for un-bid suits: West's double denotes shortness in spades, and invites partner to bid his best suit. A suitable hand would be e.g. ♠7 ♥AJ85 ♦K63 ♣. The partner should bid his longest suit on the lowest level with approximately 0-6 points, 1NT with 5-7 points and stopper in spades, (as he would bid 1NT immediately with 8-10 points), and jump in a suit with 7+ points. Finally, he can pass for penalties with 5 or more cards in spades. In the past, reopening doubles used to show extra values as well. However, with the inclusion of negative double, responder cannot double for penalties anymore and must pass with length and strength in the overcalled suit. In order to protect against such situations, opener is obliged to double even with thin values, whenever his distribution is suitable. Some pairs even go so far that they require some form of reopening in all cases.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
8
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
Bid your best major. Minimum bid since you are forced to bid. Same as in #1. Cue—bid to tell partner you have a good hand and 4/4 in the majors, basically pick your best suit. You do not fit in the majors bit D stoppers, bid 1NT. With 10+ HCP bid 2H, expecting partner to have at least 3H A great D suit and 11 HCP bid 2NT.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
9
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
1. Your hand is valued at 12 HCP. Partner promised at least 3H, bid 3H invitational, or adventurous and good all the way. 2. 13 HCP and D stopped twice 3NT. 3. 3S is preemptive 4. Go all the way with a 5/4 or 5/3 H fit 5. Invite with 2NT 6. Bid 2H when you have 10 HCP and 5H.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
10
Lesson 5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
6/14/2015
Your partner made a simple 1 level S bid, you have 12 HCP only. Pass. Make a simple constructive bid with 2S. Make a strong invitational bid of 3S with this gorgeous hand. With 20 HCP bid your suit to show you’re a bid hand. You do not need to jump. With a 5/4 fit jut raise the spade suit. Just bid game, do not try to invite, partner may pass, you have a good hand. 2H is asking partner to describe hand further. 20 HCP, balanced hand, a H stopper. A double and 1NT shows exactly that.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
11
Lesson 5
Responding to Takeout Doubles
6/14/2015
12
6/14/2015
Normally, (assuming the RHO passes) the doubler's partner should make a descriptive bid indicating a long suit of his own and the high-card strength: A minimal-level bid of a suit indicates a weak hand (normally, below 9 high-card points). A jump-bid of a suit shows a long (at least a 4-card) suit and invites the partner to bid on if the double was not minimal. Normally, such bid is made with 9-11 points. A bid of 1NT shows 8-10 HCP and balanced hand with at least one stopper in the opponent's suit. A bid of 2NT shows 11-12 HCP and balanced hand with stopper(s). With any hand of opening-bid strength or higher, the responder should cue-bid opponent's suit. The doubler is supposed to make a descriptive bid Finally, the takeout double can be passed for penalties in extreme situations, when the hand has 5-6 or more excellent trumps (this is termed a "penalty pass"). The doubler is supposed to lead a trump, so that the opponent's trumps can be drawn. For this reason, it's not recommended that a takeout double be made with a void in the suit doubled.
If the RHO bids, the doubler's partner is not forced to make a bid anymore; if one is made, it is a free bid, indicating a certain strength and/or length in the suit bid. The strength requirements above are lowered when the partner is known to be stronger (e.g. an opponents' preempt is doubled), and raised when partner can be weak.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
1
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
On #1 with 13 HCP and 4 spades, you make a classic takeout double On #2 with 17 HCP a balanced hand and the heart suit stopped you make a 1NT overcall, partner can check back with Stayman to inquire if you have a 4 card spade suit. On #3 with 18 HCP you would double first then bid 1NT. On #4 with 21 HCP you would double first then bid 2NT. With 20-21 HCP you would double then bid 2NT. Remember bidding 2NT over 1 Heart is Unusual showing 5/5 in the minors.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
2
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
“When partner makes a takeout double, the advancer with a hand worth 0 to 8 total points must bid something if the right-hand opponent (RHO) passes. The advancer should bid a four-card or longer major suit at the cheapest level or a four-card or longer minor suit at the cheapest level. With stoppers in the opponent’s suit, the advancer can bid 1NT with 8-10 HCP. “If the opponent on the advancer’s right makes a bid, the advancer can pass with a weak hand of 0 to 5 points, but should try to compete with a minimum hand of 6 to 8 total points.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
3
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
“With a hand in the range of 9 to 11 total points, the advancer should jump one level to show partner that the hand has almost enough for game. This is an invitational bid. Opener can pass with a minimum takeout double (13 or 14 total points) and carry on with extra strength. The advancer also can jump to 2NT with stoppers in the opponent’s suit and 11-12 HCP.” “When the advancer bids with 9 to 11 total points following partner’s takeout double, the advancer jumps in a four-card or longer major suit if there is one in the hand. Without one, the advancer jumps in a four-card or longer minor suit. The advancer also can jump to 2NT with stoppers in the opponent’s suit with 11 or 12 HCP.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
4
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
When the advancer has 12 or more total points, the partnership should have enough combined strength for game. The advancer can jump directly to game in a major suit or to 3NT (13+ HCP) with stoppers in the opponent’s suit. As in responding to an opening bid, the advancer rarely jumps to game in a minor suit, preferring 3NT unless the hand is very unbalanced. With 12 or more total points, but uncertain as to the best game contract, the advancer should cuebid the opponent’s suit following partner’s takeout double. Therefore “When advancing to a takeout double with 12 or more total points, the advancer makes sure that the partnership gets to game.”
Responding to Takeout Doubles
5
Lesson 5
Responding to Takeout Doubles
6/14/2015
6
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
As when rebidding after making an opening bid, the takeout doubler puts the hand into one of three categories according to the strength (using dummy points): Minimum 13 to 15 total points Medium 16 to 18 total points Maximum 19 to 21 total points
If the advancer bids at the cheapest level and you have a minimum hand, what should you do? (Pass.) With a medium hand, you can raise gently to the next level. You don’t expect partner to go further. With a maximum hand, you still don’t have enough to bid game, since partner may have nothing. It’s quite likely that partner has very little, since your opponent also has 13 or more points. You can jump raise, strongly inviting partner to bid game but leaving room for partner to pass with nothing. “If partner shows 9 to 11 total points by making a jump response, you pass only with a bare minimum of 13 or 14 total points. Otherwise, you carry on to game. If the advancer has cuebid, bid your best suit, preferably a major. If the advancer has jumped to game, showing 12 or more total points, you don’t need to bid on unless you are interested in slam (unlikely when the opponents open the bidding). Therefore “When rebidding after making a takeout double, you must be very careful if partner shows a minimum hand. Pass with a minimum hand, raise one level with a medium hand and give a jump raise with a maximum hand.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
7
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
Reopening double is a form of takeout double bid by the opener himself, after his left-hand opponent has overcalled and partner has passed. As normal takeout double, it shows support for un-bid suits: West's double denotes shortness in spades, and invites partner to bid his best suit. A suitable hand would be e.g. ♠7 ♥AJ85 ♦K63 ♣. The partner should bid his longest suit on the lowest level with approximately 0-6 points, 1NT with 5-7 points and stopper in spades, (as he would bid 1NT immediately with 8-10 points), and jump in a suit with 7+ points. Finally, he can pass for penalties with 5 or more cards in spades. In the past, reopening doubles used to show extra values as well. However, with the inclusion of negative double, responder cannot double for penalties anymore and must pass with length and strength in the overcalled suit. In order to protect against such situations, opener is obliged to double even with thin values, whenever his distribution is suitable. Some pairs even go so far that they require some form of reopening in all cases.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
8
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
Bid your best major. Minimum bid since you are forced to bid. Same as in #1. Cue—bid to tell partner you have a good hand and 4/4 in the majors, basically pick your best suit. You do not fit in the majors bit D stoppers, bid 1NT. With 10+ HCP bid 2H, expecting partner to have at least 3H A great D suit and 11 HCP bid 2NT.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
9
Lesson 5
6/14/2015
1. Your hand is valued at 12 HCP. Partner promised at least 3H, bid 3H invitational, or adventurous and good all the way. 2. 13 HCP and D stopped twice 3NT. 3. 3S is preemptive 4. Go all the way with a 5/4 or 5/3 H fit 5. Invite with 2NT 6. Bid 2H when you have 10 HCP and 5H.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
10
Lesson 5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
6/14/2015
Your partner made a simple 1 level S bid, you have 12 HCP only. Pass. Make a simple constructive bid with 2S. Make a strong invitational bid of 3S with this gorgeous hand. With 20 HCP bid your suit to show you’re a bid hand. You do not need to jump. With a 5/4 fit jut raise the spade suit. Just bid game, do not try to invite, partner may pass, you have a good hand. 2H is asking partner to describe hand further. 20 HCP, balanced hand, a H stopper. A double and 1NT shows exactly that.
Responding to Takeout Doubles
11
Lesson 5
Responding to Takeout Doubles
6/14/2015
12
