In the card game contract bridge, a takeout double is a low-level conventional call of "Double" over an opponent's bid as a request for partner to bid his best of the unbid suits. The most common takeout double is after an opponent's opening bid of one of a suit where the double shows a hand with opening values, support for all three unbid suits (at least three cards in each) and shortness in the suit doubled (preferably, no more than two). Normally, the partner of the doubler must bid his best suit but may pass if (a) his right hand opponent intervenes or (b) on the more rare occasions when his hand is such that he wishes to convert the takeout double to a . Requirements Commonly a double is considered for takeout whenever one of the following conditions is met (but see balancing double below): Opponents have previously bid only one suit, and the player did not have chance to double that suit before. Opponents have previously bid two suits, and partner has passed. Opponents have found a fit. Most common requirements to make a takeout double are: Shortness in the opponents' suit(s) - preferably two or less, three at most Length in each unbid suit - preferably four cards, at minimum three Some partnerships play that the double of a major promises four or more cards in the other major High card point (HCP) strength of at least a minimal opening bid - 11 or more HCP More high-card strength is required when opponents have bid on higher levels (e.g. preempted). The most common treatment is that the fewer high card points the hand possesses, the more strict are the distribution requirements (i.e. opponent's suit(s) shorter and unbid suits longer). With stronger hands a common treatment is to double first, regardless of distribution, and then make your bid even when it differs from partner's bid: 16+ HCP and a good six-card suit can convert partner's bid to this suit 18+ HCP and a good five-card suit can convert partner's bid to this suit 19+ HCP balanced with a stopper in opener's suit can convert partner's bid to notrump Exception: 15-18 HCP balanced hands with a stopper in opener's suit usually make a 1NT overcall instead of a takeout double Partnership agreement is required on the level to which Takeout doubles apply. A typical treatment is that a double