Duplicate Bridge results and tip: Useful conventions worth learning, part twenty-four

By Peter Rhead

Takeout Doubles

So far we have done a lot of talking about offense conventions by the opener, but there are some offense conventions by the second bidder that you may find useful. One is a Takeout Double.

The opponents have opened the bidding but you have values in your hand. You have two options for entering the bidding at this point. One option is the “Overcall” which we will talk about next week.

For this week, you can use the “Takeout Double”. The Double shows shortness (0-2 cards) in the opponent’s bid suit, and a balanced hand in the unbid suits. You need at least 10 high-card points for your Double. Your partner is forced to respond to your Takeout Double even with zero points. That is why it is called “Takeout.” You are happy with any suit partner bids because you have a balanced hand in the unbid suits. If your partner has eight or more points he can show that he has some values by making a jump bid. However, if your left-hand opponent bids after your Double, your partner is off the hook; he can Pass. With 18 points or more you can Double and then bid again showing a big hand with extra strength. Otherwise the Double is the only bid you make. You just accept your partner’s bid.

You make a Takeout Double for three reasons. You want to compete for a part-score or game. You want partner to suggest a possible lead. You want to obstruct the opponent’s bidding.

Now, how do you respond to your partner after your opponent has made a Takeout Double? Your partner bid One Heart. Your opponent makes a Takeout Double. You have 10 or more points and good support for your partner’s Hearts. You have a choice of bidding a Redouble for game to say “This is our hand partner.” Or you can make a Limit Raise to partner’s One Heart by bidding Three Hearts showing 10-12 points. I prefer the Redouble for game but the opponents are unlikely to leave the Redouble in.

Takeout Doubles are made only below game level and only when partner has not yet bid a suit. In rare instances, partner may Pass the Double if he thinks he can defeat the contract.

For more information, read “Takeout Doubles” by Barbara Seagram in 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 21.

Next Week: Overcalls: When and How to Use Them

If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.

SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2^nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)

Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].

This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.

PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB

Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club now for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.

For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]

Results for Monday, Nov 18, 2019 1. Anita Cross & Pat Holden 3680 points; 2. Karen Atkin and Mary Jane Rogers 3660 points by 20 points! 3. Kathy & Jim Haller 3520 points

HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]

The following winners are for Tuesday, Nov 19, 2019 with 8 pairs playing a Howell Movement 1. Helen Pearson and Jim Smith; 2. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3. Joanne Garvey and Mary Simonett; 4. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon

MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)

Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]

The following winners are from Monday, Nov 18, 2019 with 10 pairs playing a Mitchell movement. North-South 1. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 2. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; East-West 1. Liz Barnes and David Bryce; 2. Mary Mitchell and Susan Maddocks; 3. Art Insley and Don Evans

Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.

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