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.
Examples
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
|
- 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
|
- "Partner, please redouble"
- Artificial relay
- Showing clubs and hearts
- Taking a preference
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.