Four-Level Doubles: What to Do Next

People seem to fall into a trap when they think about 4 level doubles. The thinking goes like this "is that double penalty, takeout, or what?". 

There are two guiding rules, and at first glance they seem to be a bit conflicting. 

1. When the opponents show 8+ cards in a suit, doubles tend to be takeout

2. Generally just defend on the four level rather than bid on the five level. 

2a. Sometimes consider defending on the 4 level rather than competing on the 4 level. 

Why are they conflicting rules, because even though a double is "takeout", it does not mean you are compelled to bid. Sometimes the most practical option is to defend the opponents four level contract. Lets look at some examples

1.

Your partner's double is "takeout". He is saying that he has a good hand, very likely the opponents are being aggressive on account of the vulnerability. You would not expect partner to have more than 1-2 spades. Nevertheless, its not appropriate to bid on the five level with such a balanced and unexceptional hand. Generally with balanced hands its normal to defend rather than to go to the five level, unless its in the context of partner having already shown extreme distribution. All in all, your correct bid is to just pass. 

2.

Once again, partner's double is takeout. Partner probably has 0-1 trumps. But what can you do? Just defend and hope to get a good score, looks like you have 2-3 tricks in your hand, hope partner can make some tricks as well. Just defend.

3.Partner's 2NT shows a 4 card game forcing heart raise.

Its very likely that the preempter has 8 good spades for that bid. Partner's bid is "takeout", but just follow the general rule, defend on the 4 level unless you have an extreme hand. 

4.

Partner's double is still "takeout". He has a good hand, and does not promise a mountain of spades (assume the opponents have about 10 spades for this bidding, how could she have many of those). You have a really nice textured hand and the hand has become good enough on account of the void. Bid 4NT if for you that means "help me pick a place to play please". Note, that if you change the distribution by a single card, and it was 5431 instead of 5440, you should generally just defend rather than bid on. 

In summary, when the opponents show a lot of trumps, doubles tend to be takeout as its not possible for us to have a stack of their trumps. Nevertheless, its often a good idea to defend on the four level rather than bid to the five level. It's also often reasonable to defend on the four level (where your opponents have the big task of trying to make 10 tricks) rather than to bid on the four level yourself. 

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• -> Related: After 1NT: Respond More on Balanced Hands
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