"I've got the money, you pick the restaurant" by Marti Ronemus

When the opponents open the bidding, we have three choices: Pass (yuck), Overcall or Takeout Double. Today we look at the Takeout Double.

Back in Granny's day, all a TOD (Takeout Double) meant was "I've got opening points also." Now it has a very specific meaning:
a) I'm short in the opponent's suit (should have two or fewer)
b) I have four cards in any unbid major (Caveat: If you are doubling a minor, you can be four-three in the majors)
c) I have an opening-ish hand including dummy points
d) I will go along with any suit you pick.

In other words, "I've got the money (points), you pick the restaurant." A TOD is a three-for-one sale. We just love them. Down the road we will tackle how to respond when your Pard makes a TOD. For now, we're just going to see if we can spot when to use them. In each case, your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) will open the bidding.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 3 2
♥ A J 9 4
♦ K Q 8
♣ Q 10 8 2

Q: 1 - Should you make a TOD?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
?

A: Yes. This is EXACTLY what a TOD looks like. Short in Spades, four in the other major and tolerance for any other suit. Plus a hand you would open.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ 3
♥ A J 9 4
♦ K Q 8 6
♣ 10 8 7 2

Q: 2 - Should you make a TOD?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
?

A: Yes. "But wait! I only have 10 pts!" Not so. You are going to be dummy, right? You get to add 3 pts. for that singleton. Your shortness in their suit is a major asset.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 8 4 3
♥ A J 9
♦ K Q 8 6
♣ 10 8 7

Q: 3 - Should you make a TOD?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
?

A: No. You aren't short in the opponent's suit. You don't have four cards in the unbid major. You don't have an opening hand. This is what a TOD DOESN'T look like! You must Pass and await further developments. Your Pard will not let the auction die. Don't make a bad bid when you have a good one available, and Pass is a good one.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K Q 4 3
♥ A J 9
♦ 4 3
♣ Q 8 7 4

Q: 4 - Should you make a TOD?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♦
?

A: Yes. We would like to have four Hearts but in every other way the hand is perfect: shortness in Their suit, opening hand, can tolerate any suit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A 10 7 3
♥ 7
♦ K 8 4 2
♣ A 7 5 3

Q: 5 - Should you make a TOD?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
?

A: Yes: Perfect! Short in Hearts, four Spades, opening hand. Yum.

Now we're going to play this hand from the other side of the table. You haven't learned how to respond to a TOD yet (or have you?) so we'll guide you through it. Let's go!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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