Takeout Doubles – Acol
Take-out Doubles in Bridge
Double is the most useful and underused bid in Bridge, as it can be utilised in so many situations that aren’t covered by overcalls. However it is a tricky bid as it has two different meanings, Take-out and Penalty. If you follow these guidelines you won’t go wrong.
Penalty Doubles in Bridge
Double has two meanings, take-out and penalty. However there is one exception to the above and that is if a player opens 1NT. Then a double by either overcaller is for penalties.
Further Uses of Take-out Doubles in Bridge
Previously, we learnt that you needed S.O.S to double. However, there are other times when the take-out double is the best bid available.
Protective Doubles in Bridge
Protective doubling is when someone has bid and the next two players have passed, ie 1♥ - pass – pass - ?. The bidding is about to end if you pass in 4th position, so you should do everything possible to keep the bidding open.