In a disturbed auction, a double of any natural suit bid below slam is takeout, although from 3
up, the double must be made at the first opportunity that partner had to make a takeout double of that suit.
As in all systems, takeout doubles do not always have totally suitable shape, particularly at a high level. If the response to the double does not hit gold, the doubler may have to scramble to find an alternative spot. In a scramble, there will usually be two possible target denominations, and bidding either is offering partner a choice of these two denominations. Bidding the cheaper of the options is competitive and non-forcing, even if it is a new suit. Bidding the more expensive option is strong and forcing.
A disturbed double of a natural 1NT is also systemically takeout, and might be as little as 12 points. This weak double of 1NT has proved to be a major money-spinner, and is becoming increasingly popular on the tournament circuit.
A disturbed double of an artificial suit bid (one that does not show length in the bid denomination) is takeout of the bid suit and if the artificial bid shows length in any specific suit or suits, then double is takeout of the shown suit(s) as well.
Really? In most partnerships, a double of their 2
Stayman bid shows either a hand that would have doubled 1NT or a hand with clubs. Isn't playing it as takeout of clubs a little eccentric?
It certainly looks that way from that single example, but this Chilli rule is consistent with the central philosophy of the system – that there should always be a clear meaning for a bid, however undiscussed a particular bidding situation may be, and the meaning of bids should be governed by as few rules as possible.
Consider the situation after leftie opens 2
(Multi) and rightie responds 2. This response is completely artificial, yet the opener may well pass it, so if you cannot double for takeout of hearts now, you never will be able to do so.
Another example: suppose partner opens 1 and rightie overcalls 2, showing either hearts or spades, but leftie explains that, with a weak hand and five or more diamonds, he may pass the bid. What are you going to do now, at the table? Does double show diamonds? Or values? Or what?
In Chilli, the answer is clear-cut: double is takeout of diamonds. You can pass and make a takeout double of hearts or spades later if you hold diamonds and another suit.
The advantage of this approach can be seen when rightie makes an alerted bid and you don't know whether or not it shows the bid suit. In Chilli when holding the suit, your natural reaction can be to pass smoothly, thus avoiding putting partner under ethical pressure when you ask and then pass.
If not takeout, a disturbed double is penalty.
| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | 2 | 2 | |||
| dbl |
means.| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | ||||
| dbl |
| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | 3 | pass | pass | ||
| dbl |
or higher, and West could have doubled spades for takeout on the previous round.| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | |||||
| dbl |
means, as are all doubles of opening suit bids from 2 to 5.| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | |||||
| dbl | pass | 4 | pass | ||
| 4 |
.| West | North | East | South | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | ||||
| dbl | pass | 3 | pass | ||
| 4 |