Helvic Wriggle

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

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT X ?

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT Pass Pass X

?

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

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.

Origins

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.

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.