Meckwell Escapes comprise an escape system for use after your side has opened 1NT and the opponents have doubled for penalty. They're named for American experts Jeff Meckstroth and Eric Rodwell. After the opposing double, responder bids as follows:
Meckwell escapes are relatively easy to remember. Redouble is natural. Direct suit bids are natural (with minors promising a higher suit). The forcing pass handles all other hand types.
With 4-3-3-3 shape, responder can either treat his four-card suit as a five-card suit, or he can treat his four-card suit and his best 3-card suit as a two-suiter. In these situations, pray that your opponents elect to introduce a suit of their own.
Examples:
The following examples assume a strong 1NT opening. However, you can naturally tweak these hands for your own 1NT range.
Q3
KQ92
J107
AKJ4
642
65
K9852
1087
1NT | Dbl* | Pass** | Pass |
2![]() |
Pass | 2![]() |
* Penalty, ** Artificial relay to 2, *** 2
showing a diamond one-suiter
A10
AQ73
AJ108
632
8652
K1092
973
107
1NT | Dbl | Pass | Pass |
2![]() |
Pass | 2![]() |
* Showing 4-4 in the majors
KJ10
A932
K10
AQ83
Q543
876
J9743
5
1NT | Dbl | 2![]() |
Pass |
2![]() |
Pass | 2![]() |
* Diamonds and a higher suit, ** 2 (I don't like diamonds. What's your higher suit?)