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In Part 1 of this article, we discussed responding to a low-level takeout double. The gist of it was that notrump bids show values and a stopper(s). Suit bids show 0-8 except for jumps. A single-jump after partner makes a takeout double shows about 9-11.
What about if the takeout double is of a high-level bid (like 3
or 4
)? There is not as much room, so the ranges are a bit less defined.
Here is a rough approximation of responses to a 3-level takeout double:
3 of a suit (or 4 of a suit without jumping): 0-9 (approximate), 4+ card suit
3NT: Stopper, some values (probably about 8-13 -- wide range!)
Jump to game: 10-15 (approximate), 4+ card suit
Jump to 4NT: Probably Blackwood (but some expert pairs might define it as natural, invitational).
Example hand for 3
X P 3 :
A2 Q765 
7652 764.
Example hand for 3 X P 3NT :
A2 J75 AQ532 QJ4.
Example hand for 3 X P 4 :
A32 AQ65 K652 76.
Here is a rough approximation of responses to a 4+level takeout double:
Non-jump takeout = Anything. Could be very weak. Could be up to 13 or even more points. What can you do?
Takeout to 4NT = Not natural. Typically 2 places to play (Example:
X P 4NT on
3 87 K10876 AJ654.
Note: taking out a 4-level double usually shows a shapely hand. With a flat hand, such as:
J42 J65 Q765 A32,
you would just pass a double of a 4 or 4 opener and hope to beat them. The only time you might take out a 4-level double with only a 4-card suit is if they open 4 and you want to take out to 4 (maybe with something like:
AQ76 32 K10765 32.
Be prepared to make some bad decisions. It is a guessing game at a high level and you can't get them all right.