When to Make a Takeout Double? by Matthias Huberschwiller

A: Double - This is the perfect hand for a takeout double.

You need:
- At least three cards in the unbid suits.
- Opening points.
- Shortness in the opponent's suit.

It's usually better to make a takeout double than a 1NT overcall if you can. Don't forget that you NEED to have a stopper in the opponent's suit to make a 1NT overcall.

Your result so far:

A: Pass - What? With 15 points? Yes! You have no possible bid. You can't double with only two Spades, you can't overcall 1NT with no Diamond stopper, and you can't bid a 4-card major, especially when it's not that good.

Pass, and wait. Maybe you'll be able to do something on the next round. Remember: passing an opponent's opening bid does not mean "I am weak", it means "I have no bid to make".

Your result so far:

A: 1♠ - Bidding a major takes priority over a takeout double.

Your result so far:

A: Double - Some people think a takeout double of a major-suit opening promises four cards in the other major. This is a myth.

Of course, it's always better if you have four Spades instead of only three, but it's not an obligation. You are promising AT LEAST three Spades (and three Diamonds, and three Clubs).

Your result so far:

A: Double - When you have at least 18 points, you are too strong for a direct overcall. You need to double. This is called the strong hand double.

You'll show your extra strength on the next round of bidding.

Your result so far: