1NT as takeout double

[stunvite]

I have seen 1NT as takeout double (8+p) a few times now and I am wondering if bidding 1NT as takeout double is a good idea? What would be the best defence for it? And if you are playing it then what is the most efficient way to use it (aka what you as the partner should bid on it)?

Thank you.

[steve2005]

I have seen 1NT as takeout double (8+p) a few times now and I am wondering if bidding 1NT as takeout double is a good idea? What would be the best defence for it? And if you are playing it then what is the most efficient way to use it (aka what you as the partner should bid on it)?

Thank you.

 

best defence - double as a suggestion of penalty with any appropriate hand and be prepared to be gracious when you collect a big penalty lol

[JLOGIC]

Just play what you play over a takeout X as a defense, eg 1S (1N), X= a hand you would XX with over 1S X, 2N=4 card limit raise, new suit natural NF.

[sfi]

Just play what you play over a takeout X as a defense, eg 1S (1N), X= a hand you would XX with over 1S X, 2N=4 card limit raise, new suit natural NF.

 

Which, conveniently enough, is basically what you probably play after a strong 1NT overcall. So you don't need to change your defence at all.

[SteveMoe]

Something you might want to read: http://www.fernside.com/bridge/TheOvercallStructure.html

[JLOGIC]

Which, conveniently enough, is basically what you probably play after a strong 1NT overcall. So you don't need to change your defence at all.

 

That's true, good point

[guido]

You also asked if it were a good idea to use 1NT as a take-out device.

 

The Baron system used 1NT as a light shapely takeout, promising a void or stiff in the opened suit. The advantage was to eliminate such hands from a take-out double which often showed an off-shape intermediary hand (a hand that would now be bid with a simple overcall). Advancer was not under pressure to jump with a moderate hand to invite.

 

The original Neapolitan system used 1NT similarly (although the lower limit was higher). This was quickly abandoned, however. The rationale for this bid was that their overcalls where limited, so takeout doubles were often off-shape. Removing a "perfectly" shaped takeout from the double simplified the bidding.

 

In modern defensive bidding in which the overcall can be quite strong, there is much less reason for this type of take-out bid.

[helene_t]

If you for whatever reason have to double with the off-shape 15-16 counts (either playing 1NT as t/o, raptor, unusual, comic, 17-20 or maybe something even more crazy), some Dutch pairs play different responses to the double:

- 2 of a minor suit below the enemy suit is semipositive, i.e. doubler will bid on with the balanced 15-16

- 1NT is negative, i.e. doubler will pass with the balanced 15-16

 

Beware of system regulations, by the way. Depending on how weak you play 1NT, It may become a BSC if it doesn't promise 4 cards in a known suit.

[neilkaz]

Just play what you play over a takeout X as a defense, eg 1S (1N), X= a hand you would XX with over 1S X, 2N=4 card limit raise, new suit natural NF.

Thx, yes this is what I tell my PD's to do when we come up against that strong pair here that plays Overcall Structure.