BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

Following a reader’s request, i’ll be dealing with the topic of the take-out doubles for the next week or so. We start by setting out the guidelines by which you determine whether or not to make a take-out double. there are basically two types of hand which qualify for this.

First, when you want to compete, but don’t know which suit to bid. By definition, this means that you will be two- or three-suited, with a shortage in the opponent’s bid suit.

If you are low on honour point values, you must have compensating distributional values.

and second, when your hand is just too strong to make a simple overcall. In this case you may have any distribution, and you will be planning to bid again.

the two further factors to consider are the vulnerability and your position in the auction. For example, if your side only is vulnerable and your partner has already passed, but opener’s partner has not, you should not risk doubling with the same minimum hand, which you might have for a non-vulnerable double.

Most cases for the double are clear-cut; those which are borderline will be a matter for your judgment and, as always, your agreement with partner about style.

examples follow tomorrow.