The Takeout Double
When you have an opening hand, but an opponent opens the bidding, you may want to get into the auction. If you do not have a hand suitable for an overcall, you might employ a “takeout double” This "double" bid is not intended to penalize the opponent’s bid. It is a convention asking partner to pick one of the suits not bid by the opponents.
Requirements for a Takeout Double
- · Support for the unbid suits: At least 3-card support, but preferably 4-card support.
- · Emphasis on major suits.
- · At least 13 points, counting dummy points. (Since you ask partner to choose a suit your hand will be dummy, if your side gets the bid.
Advancing a Takeout Double
The partner of the takeout doubler is called the advancer. Note: advancers must bid, regardless of the strength of their hands, if their RHO passes.
- · 0-8 points bid at the cheapest available level.
- · 9-11 points make an invitational bid by jumping a level.
- · 12+ points guide the partnership to game.
- · The advancer can force partner to bid by making a cue bid in the opponent’s suit.
Advancing in No Trump
With strength in the opponent’s suit and no 4-card or longer major suit, bid no trump using the following ranges.
- · 6-10 points bid no trump at the cheapest available level.
- · 11-12 points bid no trump by jumping a level.
- 12+ points bid game in no trump.
- Rebids by the Takeout Doubler
The takeout doublers combine their strength with that shown by the advancer and makes a decision whether or not to bid again. Takeout doublers can pass, invite game or go directly to game, depending on the combined strengh of the two hands.