[apollo1201]

MPs, all green, RHO deals and opens 1H when you pick up a textbook hand for a TOX:

QJ82
-
AJT84
AJT5

LHO bids a peeemptive 3H, partner passes and opener bids 4H.

How would you rate pass vs X now?

And facing X, would you bid something with:

A73
765
Q752
872

Responder was 4405, opener a strong 2641, all nicely placed for them and a shared bottom (board played simultaneously in several clubs for ~250 tables playing this deal, 7 pairs scored -690, there were 3 or 4 790/800 to score worse). -300 would have been 70+% but opps might have bid 5H.

On the reflection I think my action was a bit marginal as I am lacking a little defensive strength (those JT / QJ are too soft), but I was hoping partner would take it out.

Partner said no luck.

Asking advice on this one.

[DavidKok]

• Well done to the opponents for bidding to their 4♥ so quickly, and for the 3♥ preemptive raise reducing partner's options. Partner wouldn't have done anything over 2♥ regardless, but know we don't get that inference.
  
• Second double would still have been takeout. It is more committal than a double at the 1-level, and so normally shows extra strength and suitable shape (not a modern offshape takeout double).
  
• I would have passed with partner's hand opposite 4♥X. We have some defensive values and a flat hand. As the bidding gets higher it becomes more and more attractive to convert a takeout double to penalties. If you take away the ♠A I would bid, but with the given hand it's a close decision and I favour passing.
  
• I would not have doubled a second time with our textbook hand. 5440 is worse for takeout than 4441, but neither plays all that well. We don't have enough strength to commit to the 4- or 5-level. I think it's a close decision.

[HardVector]

You said it in the first line you typed, you have a textbook hand for a takeout double. You didn't say you actually made it, but I assume the auction was (1h)-X-(3h)...

After 4h comes around to you, what has changed? Do you now have a superior takeout double? I would say no. Passing doesn't change the meaning of your first bid. Partner is still allowed to sacrifice if it looks profitable. Making a second double says that they are trying to steal something from us and partner needs to figure out if you have a game or not. If not, then a penalty is probably your best shot.