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:

Bid	Meaning
Pass	Clubs or diamonds or both majors. Partner is required to bid 2.
XX	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, 5+ hearts.
2	Natural, 5+ 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 making a forcing pass and hearing opener rebid 2:

Rebid	Meaning
Pass	5+ clubs.
2	5+ diamonds.
2	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.

The following examples assume a strong 1NT opening. However, you can naturally tweak these hands for your own 1NT range.

		Opener			Responder
		Q3			642
		KQ92			65
		JT7			K9852
		AKJ4			T87
		Opener     1NT 2 (3)		Opp 1     Dbl (1) Pass	Responder     Pass (2) 2 (4)	Opp 2     Pass All Pass

1. For penalty.
2. Artificial relay to 2.
3. Completing the relay.
4. A diamond one-suiter.

		Opener			Responder
		AT			8652
		AQ73			KT92
		AJT8			973
		632			T7
		Opener     1NT 2 (3)		Opp 1     Dbl (1) Pass	Responder     Pass (2) 2 (4)	Opp 2     Pass All Pass

1. For penalty.
2. Artificial relay to 2.
3. Completing the relay.
4. 4-4 in the majors.

		Opener			Responder
		KJT			Q543
		A932			876
		KT			J9743
		AQ83			5
		Opener     1NT 2 (3)		Opp 1     Dbl (1) Pass	Responder     2 (2) 2 (4)	Opp 2     Pass All Pass

1. For penalty.
2. Diamonds and a higher suit.
3. I don't like diamonds. What's your higher suit?
4. Spades.