Takeout Double

The takeout double is a double that asks partner to bid one of the unbid suits. The double usually shows 11+ points and 3+ cards in each unbid suit. Some basic examples:

A532

KQJ5

AT93

7

West
Pass

North
Pass

East
1

South
Double ¹

(1) Takeout double, asking partner to bid diamonds, hearts or spades -- whichever suit he has the greatest length and strength in.

AQ32

K4

AT973

72

West
1

North
Pass

East
1

South
Double ¹

(1) Takeout double, asking partner to bid diamonds or spades.

A532

KJT5

6

KQT3

West
1

North
Pass

East
1NT

South
Double ¹

(1) Not for penalty; asks partner to bid clubs, hearts or spades.

Takeout doubles can also be made with strong one-suited hands (16+ points):

AKQ32

A4

KQ3

72

West
1
Pass

North
Pass
1

East
Pass
Pass

South
Double ¹
1 ²

(1) Takeout double.
(2) A new suit by the doubler shows a strong one-suited hand. However, this is not forcing.

Responses to a Takeout Double

After hearing a takeout double from partner, the following actions are available:

Pass Converts the takeout double into a penalty double.
At the one- and two-levels of bidding, Pass shows a very strong trump holding, general values, and no biddable suit. A low-level Pass should never be made on a weak hand that wants to be excused from bidding. It especially should not be made on a weak hand with a handful of little trumps.
At higher levels, the Pass can be based more on points and/or flat shape.

A "cheapest-level" suit response

Natural, 3+ cards (usually 4+ cards) and 0-8 points.

A jump shift in a suit

Natural, 4+ cards and 8+ points, forcing.

A double jump shift in a suit

Natural, 5+ cards, 13+ points, forcing.

A "cheapest-level" no-trump bid

Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s) and 8-11 points.

A jump shift in no-trumps

Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s) and 11-13 points.

3NT

Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s), signoff.

Cue-bid

10+ points, artificial and forcing. Typically unbalanced without a better alternative bid. Doubler's rebids are natural.

Responses After Interference

If your right-hand opponent bids over partner's double, then any "free" bid shows 6+ points and at least a 4-card suit. If the takeout double is redoubled, all bids are natural but jump suit bids become preemptive, showing at least 5 cards and 0-8 points.

How high to play takeout doubles is a matter of partnership agreement. Many partnerships play takeout doubles through the 3-level and "optional" or penalty doubles higher.

Pass	Converts the takeout double into a penalty double. At the one- and two-levels of bidding, Pass shows a very strong trump holding, general values, and no biddable suit. A low-level Pass should never be made on a weak hand that wants to be excused from bidding. It especially should not be made on a weak hand with a handful of little trumps. At higher levels, the Pass can be based more on points and/or flat shape.
A "cheapest-level" suit response	Natural, 3+ cards (usually 4+ cards) and 0-8 points.
A jump shift in a suit	Natural, 4+ cards and 8+ points, forcing.
A double jump shift in a suit	Natural, 5+ cards, 13+ points, forcing.
A "cheapest-level" no-trump bid	Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s) and 8-11 points.
A jump shift in no-trumps	Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s) and 11-13 points.
3NT	Balanced with a stopper in the opponents' suit(s), signoff.
Cue-bid	10+ points, artificial and forcing. Typically unbalanced without a better alternative bid. Doubler's rebids are natural.