Responding To Double : Bridge Online

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Remember that you must bid unless the opposition calls before your turn and thus cancels the double. You should bid even if you have no points at all. Remember also that partner has promised support for all unbid suits or a strong hand. (The only time you can pass a takeout double is when you have lots of trumps.)

Most of the time your partner will not bid again after making a takeout double. Therefore, if you have a reasonable hand yourself it is your responsibility to show your points. It is safe to jump with a 4-card suit because your partner promises support for all unbid suits, therefore you will have a fit.

Responses to takeout double
Minimum = 0-7
Jump 1 level = 8-11, 4-card suit
Jump 2 levels = 8-11, 5-card suit
1NT = 6-9, balanced, with stoppers in the opponents'suit
2NT = 10-12, balanced, with stoppers in the opponents'suit
3NT = 13+, balanced, with stoppers in the opponents'suit

	♠ 9763
	♥ 62
	♦ 7653
	♣ 653

	West	North	East	South
	1♥	X	P	1♠

Dreadful hand. You must make the cheapest possible bid.

	♠ A763
	♥ 62
	♦ K653
	♣ Q53

	West	North	East	South
	1♥	X	P	2♠

If partner had opened 1♠, you would have bid 2♠ wouldn't you. Remember she has an opening hand.

	♠ AQ763
	♥ 62
	♦ K653
	♣ 53

Your fifth trump gives you extra strength, so jump to 3♠.

	♠ 763
	♥ KJ2
	♦ Q653
	♣ 953

	West	North	East	South
	1♥	X	P	1NT

You don't have a 4-card major, so 1NT is the best option. It promises a hold in the opponent's suit and 6-9 HCP.

	♠ A63
	♥ KJ2
	♦ A653
	♣ 953

	West	North	East	South
	1♥	X	P	2NT

This time you are too good for 1NT. Bid 2NT promising 10-12 HCP.

	♠ AK3
	♥ AQJ
	♦ Q653
	♣ 953

	West	North	East	South
	1♥	X	P	3NT

You have an opening hand. Partner has an opening hand. This means you should be in game.

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