Takeout Doubles (not for penalties)

A takeout double can be made after the opponents have opened the bidding. It shows 13+ TP and at least 3 cards in all of the unbid suits.

Double is written by making an “X” on the bidding pad.

Rounded Rectangle: Takeout double ( X ) 13+ TP Support for ALL unbid suits, Shortage in the opponent’s suit

Your right-hand opponent opens 1♣. What is your bid?

Hand 1.

Your Hand
♠ K Q J 10
♥ K J 6
♦ Q 8 3 2
♣ J 7

Your Bid
13+ TP, support for all unbid suits. Double and then pass whatever your partner bids.

Hand 2.

Your Hand
♠ K Q J 10 8
♥ 6 3 2
♦ K 8
♣ A 7 4

Your Bid
This time you should simply show your spade suit with an overcall of 1 ♠.

Hand 3.

Your Hand
♠ K Q J
♥ Q 9
♦ 9 8 4
♣ A Q 9 3 2

Your Bid
You have lots of points, but not enough length in the unbid suits to do anything. Best to pass and hope your opponents get too high.

Hand 4.

Your Hand
♠ A Q J 10
♥ A K Q 6
♦ A K Q 5
♣ 2

Your Bid
Wow! Double to force your partner to choose a suit and then leap to game in whatever partner chooses.

1.	Introduction To Bridge - Hand Evaluation
2.	Opening Bids
3.	Bidding Game
4.	Responder Bidding
5.	Opener Rebids
6.	Responder Suit Bids
7.	Responder No Trump Bids
9.	Responding To Overcalls
10.	Opening 1NT
11.	Responding With Balanced Hands
12.	Responding With An Unbalanced Hand
13.	NoTrump Rebids
14.	Responses To NoTrump Rebids
15.	Overcall Or Double
16.	Takeout Doubles
17.	Responses To Takeout Doubles
18.	Opening 2NT
19.	Responses To 2NT
20.	Opening Strong 2 Clubs
21.	Responding to a Strong 2 Club Opening
22.	Responding to an Opening Weak 2 Bid