Responding to a Takeout Double -- Part 2

In Part 1 of this article, we discussed responding to a low-level takeout double. The gist of it was that notrump bids show values and a stopper(s). Suit bids show 0-8 except for jumps. A single-jump after partner makes a takeout double shows about 9-11.

What about if the takeout double is of a high-level bid (like 3♠ or 4♠)? There is not as much room, so the ranges are a bit less defined.

Here is a rough approximation of responses to a 3-level takeout double:

3 of a suit (or 4 of a suit without jumping): 0-9 (approximate), 4+ card suit
3NT: Stopper, some values (probably about 8-13 -- wide range!)
Jump to game: 10-15 (approximate), 4+ card suit
Jump to 4NT: Probably Blackwood (but some expert pairs might define it as natural, invitational).

Example hand for 3♠ X P 3♠ :

♠ A2  
♥ Q765  
♦ 7652  
♣ 764.
 

Example hand for 3♠ X P 3NT :

♠ A2  
♥ J75  
♦ AQ532  
♣ QJ4.

Example hand for 3♠ X P 4♠ :

♠ A32  
♥ AQ65  
♦ K652  
♣ 76.
 

Here is a rough approximation of responses to a 4+level takeout double:

Non-jump takeout = Anything. Could be very weak. Could be up to 13 or even more points. What can you do?
Takeout to 4NT = Not natural. Typically 2 places to play (Example: 

4♠ X P 4NT on

♠ 3  
♥ 87  
♦ K10876  
♣ AJ654.

Note: taking out a 4-level double usually shows a shapely hand. With a flat hand, such as:

♠ J42  
♥ J65  
♦ Q765  
♣ A32,
you would just pass a double of a 4♠ or 4♠ opener and hope to beat them. The only time you might take out a 4-level double with only a 4-card suit is if they open 4♠ and you want to take out to 4♠ (maybe with something like:  

♠ AQ76  
♥ 32  
♦ K10765  
♣ 32.

Be prepared to make some bad decisions. It is a guessing game at a high level and you can't get them all right.

You might also consider getting Larry's book on Doubles and Redoubles HERE or try Michael's Doubles Webinar which you can find HERE


 

  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     3♠ Double Pass ??

     What is your call with:

    ♠ K32  
    ♥ K4  
    ♦ K654  
    ♣ K942?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3NT

    3. -

    4♠

    4. -

    4♠

    5. -

    4NT

    6. -

    5♠

    7. -

    5♠

    Answer: 2

    3NT. Passing could work, but you have a good chance to make 3NT with your spade stopper and 12 HCP. Don't guess which minor (at which level) to bid.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     3♠ Double Pass ??

     What is your call with:

    ♠ K82  
    ♥ KJ74  
    ♦ 42 
    ♣ J942?

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    3NT

    4. -

    4♠

    Answer: 2

    3♠. Not good-enough clubs to leave in the double (especially with a decent alternative). Not strong enough for 4♠ (you need a little more to jump from a 3-level takeout double than after a lower-level takeout double). Not enough strength for 3NT.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     3♠ Double Pass ??

     What is your call with:

    ♠ KJ532  
    ♥ 42 
    ♦ KQJ4  
    ♣ 32?

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    4♠

    4. -

    4♠

    Answer: 4

    4♠. Plenty enough to bid game (way too strong for only 3♠).

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     4♠ Double Pass ??

     What is your call with:

    ♠ 2  
    ♥ KJ642 
    ♦ 54  
    ♣ KQJ42?

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    4NT

    3. -

    5♠

    4. -

    5♠

    5. -

    Other

    Answer: 2

    4NT. This is takeout and suggests 2 places to play. The doubler will bid the cheapest 4-card suit he has. If it is clubs, so be it--it is okay to play in 5♠. If he pulls to diamonds, you will correct to 5♠.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     4♠ Double Pass ??

     What is your call with:

    ♠ Q32  
    ♥ QJ4  
    ♦ K654  
    ♣ J42?

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    4NT

    3. -

    5♠

    4. -

    5♠

    Answer: 1

    Pass. Hope to set them (partner has a good hand). Don't take out at this level without decent distribution.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • With both sides vulnerable, the auction begins: 

    WestNorthEastSouth
     3♠ Dbl Pass ?

    What is your call with: 

    ♠ 543  
    ♥ 9876  
    ♦ J1092  
    ♣ Q9
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    Pass

    2. -

    3♠

    3. -

    3NT

    4. -

    4♠

    Answer: 2

    3♠. You don't want to try to defend 3♠-- you only have one diamond trick. Similarly, your hand is way too weak to bid 3NT, even though you have a stopper. You're not going to be happy to be declarer, but what can you do?

    Your result so far: