Helvic Wriggle

Helvic is a bidding method after your side has opened 1NT and the opponents double for penalty.

West		North		East		South
1NT		Double		?

West		North		East		South
1NT		Pass		Pass		Double
?

After the opposing double, the "wriggle" bids are:

Bid	Meaning
Pass	Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows the two "non-touching" suit combinations: Clubs and hearts (4-4 or better). After partner's redouble, bid 2. Partner can pass or correct to 2. Diamonds and spades (4-4 or better). After partner's redouble, bid 2. Partner can pass or correct to 2.
XX	Requires partner to bid an artificial 2. Shows a one-suited hand. With clubs, simply pass partner's 2 bid; otherwise, correct to 2//.
2	Shows clubs and diamonds (4-4 or better). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or correct to 2 with longer diamonds.
2	Shows diamonds and hearts.
2	Shows hearts and spades.
2	Shows clubs and spades.

Compared to other runout systems, I think Helvic is easy to remember because the two-level responses show "touching" suits, similar to touching escapes. My only concern is the 2 bid showing clubs and spades. With no spade support, partner may be forced to bid 3, a potentially precarious contract.

The following examples use a strong 15-17 1NT. You can of course tailor the Helvic Wriggle (and any escape system) to suit your 1NT range.

		West			East
		AT			J652
		AQ73			KT92
		AJT8			942
		J63			T7
		West     1NT		North     Double	East     2 (1)	South     All pass

1. Showing hearts and spades

		West			East
		AT			973
		AQ73			J864
		Q98			K752
		A963			T7
		West     1NT Pass (1) 2 (3)		North     Pass Pass Pass	East     Pass Redbl (2) 2 (4)	South     Double Pass All pass

1. "Partner, please redouble"
2. Artificial relay
3. Showing clubs and hearts
4. Taking a preference

The Helvic Wriggle originated in the UK, where a "wriggle" system for 1NT-doubled has the same meaning as an "escape" or "runout" system in the U.S. You say football, I say soccer.