strength when bidding notrump: 8-10 HCP bid 1NT 11-12HCP bid 2NT 13+ HCP bid 3NT The strength requirements above are lowered when the partner is known to be stronger (e.g. an opponents' preempt is doubled), and raised when partner can be weak (as in protective position). One conventional variation (Bungay Black Dog Double) is that 1NT shows 6+ points and the cheapest bid in a suit is a natural "weak squeak" denying 6 points. Opponents bid If the RHO bids advancer is not forced to make a bid so, if one is made, it is a free bid and different strength ranges are used although the guidance on showing the shape remains the same except for the availability of the double as a new bid: Showing the strength when bidding a suit: 0-5 HCP pass 6-8 HCP bid at the lowest available level (can compete at the 2 level) 9-11 HCP jump bid or compete at the 3 level 12+ HCP bid the game or cue bid the opponents' suit Showing the strength when bidding notrump: 8-10 HCP bid 1NT 11-12HCP bid 2NT 13+ HCP bid 3NT A special case for 1NT Typically doubles of notrump bids are for penalty, the exception is when opponents make a "dustbin" notrump bid: In this case, responder is not showing a balanced hand but denying both support for opener and the values to make a two-level bid so a double is for takeout in this situation. However attention must be paid to the likely meaning of the 1NT bid. In this case, responder is likely to have long clubs so it will be safe for North–South to play in hearts or spades. Spades would be considered a safe suit but East might have length in clubs or diamonds. There are no safe suits, East might have length and strength in any suit below spades. In addition, opener might have a second suit but have decided against bidding at the two-level given responder's weakness. In addition, since East-West may not have a fit it is possible that North-South do not have a fit and my end up at the two-level doubled so will need to exercise caution when vulnerable. Later-round takeout doubles Double can be for takeout even in later rounds of bidding. As before, it denotes support for unbid suits and, often, extra values. In general, any low-level double after opponents have bid