Moscow Escapes

Moscow Escapes are a "runout" convention after your side has opened 1NT and the opponents double for penalty. Aside from a redouble, the direct responses are identical to the DONT convention.

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT X ?

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT Pass Pass X

?

After the opposing double, the conventional bids are:

Pass To play.

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 a higher suit (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with club tolerance or bid 2 to fish for the higher suit.

2 Shows diamonds and a higher suit (at least 4-4).

2 Shows hearts and spades (at least 4-4).

2 5+ spades. Depending on partnership agreement, this may be weaker than a redouble followed by a 2 rebid. Alternatively, it may promise more strength than the redouble sequence. Either way, it's still non-forcing.

Note that with a balanced 4432 and reasonable strength, responder may pass rather then bid at the 2-level.

Origins

Despite their name, Moscow Escapes were probably invented in the U.S.

Pass	To play.
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 a higher suit (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with club tolerance or bid 2 to fish for the higher suit.
2	Shows diamonds and a higher suit (at least 4-4).
2	Shows hearts and spades (at least 4-4).
2	5+ spades. Depending on partnership agreement, this may be weaker than a redouble followed by a 2 rebid. Alternatively, it may promise more strength than the redouble sequence. Either way, it's still non-forcing.