Always a Big Hand. For the takeout doubler to rebid anything directly (with a RHO opponent pass) after a takeout double response requires a strong hand -- 16 to 18+ dummy points minimum.
©
If responder has jumped, indicating 8+ HCP, then you should place the contract directly. Don't start a conversation -- responder (your partner) has bid his all. Bid whatever you think your side can make.
If third hand has redoubled, partner may be bidding a 5 card suit as a rescue only, as there are not enough points in a deck for full value bids from four players.
If third hand passed and partner bids at the lowest level, a 16 - 18+ HCP hand is still required just to raise one, as partner is forced to bid even with zero points. A single raise in this case asks partner to bid game with 6 - 7 points, so the doubler must have enough (19+ dummy points) to play at game with a dummy in that point range.
N E S W
1§ Dbl P 1
P 2
©Even this 2© bid shows extra strength because West might have no points at all.
©1§ Dbl P 1
P P 2§ P
P 2
© . . .This is entirely different. East shows no extras -- he is simply being competitive because he didn't raise directly at his first opportunity.
1§ Dbl P 1©
P 4
©This shows a blockbuster hand by East, promising 22+ points, as West denied as many as 7 HCP. As strong as a [1© - P - 2© - P 4© ] hand, at least.
N E S W
1§ Dbl 1
© 1ªP
???
ª AKxx
ª AKxx
© Jxxx
© Jxx
¨ AKQ
¨ AKx
§ xx
§ xxx
2 Spades
Pass
N E S W
1© Dbl Red 2ª
P
???© Jxxxª AKxx
¨ AKxx
§ x
East should bid 4 Spades. This may make or stop a N/W game.
N E S W
1§ Dbl Red 2¨
P ???
ª AKxx
© Axx
¨ AJxx
§ xx
East should pass - West is preempting.
(c) Robert D. McConnell, 1998 All Rights Reserved