Meckwell Escapes

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:

• Pass - Shows clubs or diamonds or both majors. Partner is required to bid 2.
• Redouble - Natural.
• 2 - At least 4-4 in clubs and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the higher suit.
• 2 - At least 4-4 in diamonds and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the higher suit.
• 2 - Natural, at least five hearts.
• 2 - Natural, at least five spades.

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.

Responder's Rebids After opener bids 2

• Pass - Shows at least five clubs.
• 2 - Shows at least five diamonds.
• 2 - Shows at least 4-4 in hearts and spades. Partner can pass or correct to spades.

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?)