{"id":60770,"date":"2023-02-01T14:50:31","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T12:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/?p=60770"},"modified":"2023-02-03T15:45:01","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T13:45:01","slug":"the-take-out-double","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/the-take-out-double\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridge lesson: The take-out double"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Bridge<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

You are sitting left of opener. You have a good hand but you don\u2019t know how to show it. Is this the moment to draw your Double card, this all-purpose weapon of modern bridge? To use it wisely, you need to know the basics. And to answer, your partner has to apply the three zone rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Definition<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Answers to the take-out Double<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The second call by the person who doubled<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    1. Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This study deals with the Double by the player placed directly behind an opening bid of One of a suit. This Double shows opening strength and theoretically promises the other three suits. It has no upper limit. It must never take the place of a natural overcall. Its conditions of use are a little different depending on whether the opening suit is a minor or a major. The following principles only concern the zone 11-17HCP (the case of a take-out Double with any distribution and 18+HCP will only be mentioned briefly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First sequence<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    The Double promises seven or eight cards between the two majors, never two cards, never five cards, so the distribution of the two majors is either 4-3 or 4-4. The conditions for the distribution of the two minors are less strict; it\u2019s possible to double with more cards in opener\u2019s minor than in the other minor.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    No Double with two Spades.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    More to gain than to lose.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    No Double with a five-card Major.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    11HCP only, but ideal distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Not the best distribution, but the necessary conditions are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second sequence<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    This Double, essentially aiming at the search for a Spade fit, promises a priori four Spades and is in the same range, 11-17HCP. It stays a take-out Double for the three other suits. It\u2019s nevertheless authorized and advised to double with only three Spades, on the condition of holding a singleton Heart as compensation for this lack of a fourth card.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    All conditions are met.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Priority to the natural overcall.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    The distribution and quality of the big honors make up for the lack of a fourth Spade.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Priority to the natural overcall. Spades will possibly be suggested on the next round.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Nothing interesting to show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Third sequence<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Same principle, with one important difference. It\u2019s possible to double with five Hearts if the quality of the suit doesn\u2019t justify an overcall at the two-level.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Very classical.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    It\u2019s urgent to come forward.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Hearts are too fragile to bid them at the two-level.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Recommended with a nice five-card suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A special case: the \u201call distribution\u201d take-out Double<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With 18HCP and more you have to act, but this point range is higher than the one of natural suit overcalls (8-17HCP) or 1NT (15 good-18 bad HCP). The only way to enter the auction is to double, without any constraints coming from the distribution. Responder reacts to a \u201ctrue\u201d take-out double, the ambiguity will be resolved on the next round (see further down).<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    The principle of seven cards in the majors no longer applies.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Too strong to overcall 1♠.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    The Spade singleton is worrying, but overcalling 1♥ would not be appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Too strong for 1NT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    2. Answers to the take-out Double<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Opener\u2019s partner passes after the Double.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A. Answers in a suit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    They are directed by two main ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Sort your answers into three ranges: 0-7HCP, 8-10HCP and 11+HCP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Priority to the major.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      1) 0-7 HCP: negative response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Responder bids his suit without a jump and gives priority to a four-card major over a five-card minor. N\u00b02 is now warned that his side probably doesn\u2019t hold point majority.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Priority to the four-card Spade suit, the Double asks about the majors.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      At the two-level, indeed, but without a jump.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      \u201cWith tears in your eyes\u201d. You may only pass with a real penalty Double in your hand (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      In the same spirit, priority to the major. Not far from the maximum for this bid, which would be the same with this hand: ♠83 ♥10872 ♦104 ♣109632.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      The question of what to answer with both four-card majors, 1♥ or 1♠ is heavily debated. My advice is to answer 1♥, the lower one, as in response to an opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2) 8-10HCP: positive response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      All bids are made with a jump. Partner gets the information that his side has point majority and that game must be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      a) Jump to 2-of-a-Major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Promises precisely four cards, assumes you have discovered a 4-4, fit, denies both four-card majors after a 1-of-a-minor opening.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      The principle of giving priority to the major is maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Answering 2♥ or 2♠ may cause you to miss out on the eight-card fit. You have to show both majors in one bid. The cue-bid of opener\u2019s minor – here 2♣ – is perfectly suited for this. (For more information, see the section on cue-bids further down).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      b) Double jump to 3-of-a-Major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Promises precisely five cards (with six cards, we jump to game) and thus allows partner to know if we have an eight or nine-card fit.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Comment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After a 1♠ opening and a Double, it is impossible to make this distinction between four and five cards in Hearts in a hand with 8-10HCP. We jump to the three-level in both cases. Partner must take this into account.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      c) The jump to 2 or 3-of-a-minor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Promises five or six cards, most often with the idea of playing 3 No-trump. None of these jumps are forcing.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      3) 11+HCP: game forcing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      11 HCP may seem insufficient to you facing a call which promises not more than an opening, but the knowledge that the points are located between three hands and probable ease of communication deserve that you go down by 1 or 2 points from the minimum needed to play game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      a) With five or six cards in a major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Without hope of a slam, we jump to game. With a six-card suit, 9HCP may be sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      b) Without a satisfactory natural bid: the cue-bid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      With one or both four-card major(s), with slam ambitions, or with a long minor, responder makes a cue-bid.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      To play 4 Spades with eight trumps and 3 No-Trump otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      On the way to 4 Hearts or 4 Spades.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Un saut \u00e0 Carreau serait non forcing, imposer 3 Sans-Atout est pr\u00e9matur\u00e9, il faut peut-\u00eatre d\u00e9clarer 5 ou 6 Carreaux.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Before showing slam ambitions in Spades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      B. No-trump answers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      They are all positive, therefore 8+HCP, and deny a four-card major (beside opener\u2019s, of course).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1) 1NT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      8-10HCP, a priori<\/em> with a stopper in the opening suit, but not always – theory of the least bad lie.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Better solution than a jump to 3♦, the alternative call.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      What else?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2) 2NT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      11HCP, this time the stopper is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      We rely on partner to stop the Hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3) 3NT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      12-15HCP, mandatory stopper.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Easy enough facing opening strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4) Cue-bid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Without a stopper with 11+HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      C. The cue-bid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      1) After the opening of 1♣ or 1♦The cue-bid is autoforcing but not game forcing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In these conditions, the player who doubled doesn\u2019t need to give full information about his hand but must simply show his first four-card major. The author of the cue-bid will then specify the reasons which led him to make this bid. The various uses of the cue-bid have been mentioned in the previous pages, and are now gathered together in this section, confirming that the cue-bid doesn\u2019t guarantee four cards in one or both majors. There are five situations in which a cue-bid is used opposite a take-out Double:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • With four Hearts and four Spades, 8-10HCP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • With four Hearts or four Spades, 11+HCP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Without a stopper in the opening minor, 11+HCP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • With six cards in the other minor, 11+HCP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • With a one suiter and slam ambitions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Developments after the cue-bid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Typical sequence:<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        a) 3♥<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Only non-forcing sequence (together with the similar ones). Precisely shows four Hearts and four Spades, 8-10HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        The player who doubled passes or bids game as he sees fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        b) 4♥ or 4♠, 11+HCP<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        With four Hearts, jump to game or, exceptionally a cue-bid if slam ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        With four Spades (and not four Hearts) and 11+HCP: 2♠, game forcing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        The full auction:<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        East either raises Spades with four cards or, like here, shows a four-card Club suit. With 3-4-3-3 distribution, East would respond 2NT with a Diamond stopper and 3♦.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        c) 3♦<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A second cue-bid asks for a stopper and is made with a balanced hand without a four-card major.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        d) 3♣<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Shows a six-card suit and either balanced or unbalanced distribution, doesn\u2019t exclude 3 No-Trump or 6 Clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        It would be a serious mistake to jump to 3NT. On this deal, partner\u2019s hand was ♠AQ85 ♥AJ63 ♦5 ♣J874. 6 Clubs makes and 3 No-trump goes one down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        e) 3♠ (or 3♥ over a response of 2♠)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Slam ambition with at least five cards.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        13HCP only but the distribution and the quality and location of the honors justify considering a small slam, a mandatory consideration when even a grand slam is possible since it is enough to find four-card support, three keycards and a singleton Diamond to visualize thirteen tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2) After the opening of 1♥ or 1♠<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The option of a hand in the 8-10HCP range with both four-card majors obviously no longer exists. The two cue-bids, 2♥ and 2♠, promise a minimum of 11HCP and are game forcing. From there, their use follows a parallel path to that which we have just studied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        a) The other four-card major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Under these conditions, raising to the three-level is forcing, 14+HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        Too strong to jump to 4♠.<\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        We must look for the Heart game. The 3♣ rebid doesn\u2019t deny four Hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        b) Asking for a stopper, here as well by repeating the cue-bid.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        In search of the best game… Without certainty of finding a contract that makes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        c) Minor one-suiter, which is shown at the next round.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        Don\u2019t forget that the direct jump to 3♦ is not forcing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        d) Slam ambition<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

        \n
        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        Partner probably doesn\u2019t have four cards in Spades, but the slam is still possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        3. The second call by the person who doubled<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        a) After a response in the 0-7HCP range<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        A compulsory rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
        <\/stop><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        The player who doubled only bids on if he wants to play game, this means with 18+HCP or 18HD in case of a fit.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

        To try underderstanding the logic of this rule better, let\u2019s compare two apparently similar situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • You open 1♦ with:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          ♠️ Q J 9 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ♥️ A 10 7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ♦️ A Q 10 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          ♣️ 8 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If your partner responds 1♠, you raise him to 2♠ and, depending on the strength of his hand, he will know what to do: pass, leap to game, or invite game or slam. If your partner responds 1♥, you rebid 1♠ without hesitation and wait for the continuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • You double a 1♣ with:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            ♠️ Q J 9 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            ♥️ A 10 7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            ♦️ A Q 10 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            ♣️ 8 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If your partner answers 1♠, you absolutely have to pass. This 1♠ bid is made without a jump, and therefore limited to the 0-7 HCP range – you know it – so you have no hope of game and another bid, even a simple raise to 2♠ would restart the bidding and propel you towards a contract without the slightest chance of success. And if he answers 1♥, you still have to pass, admittedly disappointed that you may be playing in a seven-card fit, but to bid again would encourage your partner to bid game and miserably go down.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            Let\u2019s now look at the various bids that the player who doubled has at his disposal with hands in the range of 18+HCP or 18+HD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1) Raising partner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            a) At the 2-level<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Four trumps, 18-19HD, count a minimum of 15HCP in case of an unbalanced hand, 16HCP with balanced hands.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            b) At the 3-level<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Five trumps, a precaution in the case of a response of 1♥ or 1♠ with three cards, a minimum of 18HCP to justify a Double with a five-card major, around 19-20HD.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            c) At the 4-level<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Always five trumps, 21-22HD.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            d) Cue-bid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The cue-bid shows four-card support and 21+HD.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            This cue-bid is not autoforcing. responder must therefore fully describe his hand.<\/strong> To simplify, responder jumps on the brakes in the range of 0-4HCP and orients the auction towards game in the range of 5-7HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            Five Hearts, 5-7HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            Four Hearts, 5-7HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            \u201cIn a dying voice\u201d, 0-4HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Comment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The cue-bid can also be used without support (see below) but responder\u2019s attitude remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            2) No-trump bids.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            They guarantee a stopper in the opening suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            a) 1NT, 18+-20-HCP<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            2 points more than a natural 1NT overcall.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            No longer make the mistake of jumping to 2NT to show your 19HCP. With 12-15HCP you pass 1♥, with 16-18HCP you overcall 1NT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            b) 2NT, 20+-22HCP<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            c) 3NT, 23-24HCP<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The cue-bid is used with hands in all these ranges without a stopper in the opening suit.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            3) New suits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            a) Without jump<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            They promise a minimum of 18HCP and always at least five cards in the named suit. They are non-forcing and therefore limited to the 18-20HCP range.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            b) With jump<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Always six cards, 19-21HCP. Also not forcing.<\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            c) Cue-bid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/stop><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Double, then cue-bid then new suit initiates a game forcing sequence. With 22HCP and more.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            Slam is still possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            B) After a positive response, 8-10HCP or 11+HCP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            1) 8-10HCP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            a) Jump to 2-of-a-Major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

            \n
            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            With four-card support in partner\u2019s major, depending on his range, the player who doubled can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Pass, 12-13HCP, balanced.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                \n
              • Invite game, 3♥ or 3♠, 14HCP balanced or 12HCP unbalanced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Leap to game, with 15+HCP balanced or 13HCP unbalanced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • In exceptional cases consider a slam, 19+HD.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  With only three cards, it takes a minimum of 15HCP to consider game, usually at No-trump and requesting a stopper by way of a cue-bid auction.<\/p>\n\n\n

                  \n
                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  b) Jump to 3-of-a-Major<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  With four trumps, the player who doubled systematically bids game, except with balanced hands with 12HCP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  With three trumps, the player who doubled passes with 12HCP, unbalanced or 12-14HCP, balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  c) Jump to 3-of-a-minor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The player who doubled can pass, consider game either in No-trump with balanced hands, or in partner\u2019s suit if he has a true fit and an unbalanced hand.<\/p>\n\n\n

                  \n
                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  Attempting to play 3NT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  2) 11+HCP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The question only arises opposite the cue-bid. The cue-bid is autoforcing, the player who doubled must show his majors at the two-level (always, independent of his strength!), starting with the lowest. Responding 2♥ doesn\u2019t deny four Spades, but 2♠ denies four Hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Comment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The cue-bid as response to the cue-bid denies a four-card major and promises a balanced hand with 18-19HCP without a stopper in the opening suit.<\/p>\n\n\n

                  \n
                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  What do you think of this article by Alain L\u00e9vy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Please share your view in the Comments<\/em> sections below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  You are sitting left of opener. You have a good hand but you don\u2019t know how to show it. Is this the moment to draw your Double card, this all-purpose weapon of modern bridge? To use it wisely, you need to know the basics. And to answer, your partner has to apply the three zone rule. 1. Definition This study deals with the Double by the player placed directly behind an opening bid of One of a suit. This Double shows opening strength and theoretically promises the other three suits. It has no upper limit. It must never take the\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":60493,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14923,10635],"tags":[11647,14308,12238],"access":[13334],"class_list":["post-60770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bridge-lessons","category-let-s-talk-about-bridge","tag-bidding-en","tag-cours-et-exercices","tag-lessons-en","access-premium-plus-en"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBridge lesson: The take-out double - Blog Funbridge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/the-take-out-double\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bridge lesson: The take-out double - Blog Funbridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You are sitting left of opener. You have a good hand but you don\u2019t know how to show it. Is this the moment to draw your Double card, this all-purpose weapon of modern bridge? To use it wisely, you need to know the basics. And to answer, your partner has to apply the three zone rule. 1. Definition This study deals with the Double by the player placed directly behind an opening bid of One of a suit. This Double shows opening strength and theoretically promises the other three suits. It has no upper limit. 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