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Home > Tutorial > Bidding > Competitive Bidding > Double for take-out
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Double for take-out (P2)
P2.1 A take-out double is an economic way of entering the auction, and requests partner to bid her best suit in response. On paper, it is represented by an asterisk, *.
| Opponent | You |
| 1H | * |
The same principle applies even if both opponents have bid.
|
Opponent |
Partner | Opponent | You |
| 1C | Pass | 1H | * |
or even if opponents have bid the same suit.
| Opponent | Partner | Opponent | You |
| 1S | Pass | 2S | * |
Note that this is the same bid you will already have met as a penalty double. The point is that when it is used at this stage of the auction, it cannot possibly be for penalties as you do not know enough about the four hands to be sure that you can defeat the contract. Note that although the double is intended for take-out, a subsequent three passes turns it into a penalty double.
P2.2 So, to summarise, a double of a suit contract at part-score level is for take-out provided partner has not made a bid. The double does not have to be made at the first opportunity of doubling.
The following is a selection of hands suitable for doubling:-
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After 1S from opponents, a double is perfect. You can stand a reply in any suit, and with this weak hand, you will probably pass whatever partner says. Note that if the opponents open any other suit, you must pass. See the requirements for an overcall. |
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Again, a double of a spade by the opposition is best. Even a response in clubs is not bad, as you have ruffing values. Once more, if any other suit is opened ahead of you, you must pass. |
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A double of a spade is better than an overcall in hearts, although this could be your bid if the opponents open clubs or diamonds. Get clear in your mind that you could not double an opening bid of one club or one diamond, as you have nowhere to go if partner responds in spades. |
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An overcall in diamonds would be wrong here as you are too strong. Double an opening bid of one spade, and be prepared to bid on with this very good hand. |
P2.3 In general, 11-20 points is the range for a double of the opponents opening suit bid. The more shape you have, the more fickle you can be with your points.
With a weak hand, the more you must be able to stand any reply from your partner ie you must have at least three cards in the other three suits.
With 15 points or more, you can double on two-suited hands, prepared to bid one of your own suits if partner bids your second shortage.
P2.4 Some more examples. Try them yourself before looking at the answers, picturing different opening bids ahead of you.
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After one spade, a double is better than two hearts (hand too strong and suit too stringy). If partner bids two diamonds, you bid two hearts. If opponents bid clubs or hearts, you can overcall one no-trump, or you could back out, prepared to double for penalties later on. |
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After one heart you have a sound double. After one diamond or one spade, you must pass as a double and a heart response with this weak hand leaves you with nowhere to go. |
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After one heart, you have a sound double. After one diamond or one spade, a double would be fatal. You could however, in these cases, happily bid two clubs. |
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Life is not perfect. After one heart, you double and pass any reply that partner makes. It is a big mistake with this hand to overcall 1S. |
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