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Brozel Escapes
Brozel Escapes are a "runout" convention after your side has opened 1NT and the
opponents double for penalty. The direct responses are very similar to the Brozel
convention for overcalling an opposing 1NT.

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   Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows either a good hand that wants
to play 1NT redoubled, OR a one-suited hand (5+ cards). After partner's redouble,
all bids at the 2-level are natural and non-forcing.

XX Shows one of the following two-suiters:

 Clubs and diamonds (at least 4-4).
 Clubs and spades (at least 4-4). Note that in the Brozel defense to 1NT, this
hand is showed by a direct 2 . However, in the Brozel escape system, a 2
reply is natural.
 Diamonds and spades (at least 4-4).

After hearing the redouble, partner must choose which action to take:

 2 - Shows club tolerance, If partner has diamonds & spades, he will

correct to 2 .

 2 - With a club doubleton or with 4-4 diamonds and spades, bid 2 and
ask partner to either pass, or correct to 2 if he holds clubs & spades.
2 Shows clubs and hearts (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or
correct to 2 with longer hearts.

2 Shows diamonds and hearts (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.

Origins
Brozel escapes are a modification of the Brozel convention, which was invented by
Bernard Zeller.
Dig-Out
Dig-Out is a bidding method after your side opens 1NT and the opponents double for
penalty. It emphasizes the spade suit, with immediate 2 / / bids showing 2-suiters
with spades. This theoretically maximizes the opportunity to locate spade fits and
consume the enemy's bidding space.

Partner   Opp 1   You   Opp 2

1NT  X  ?  
Partner   Opp 1   You   Opp 2
1NT   Pass   Pass   X
?      

After the opposing double, the runouts are:

Pass   Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows a two-suiter without spades:
 Clubs and diamonds (4-4 or better). After partner's redouble, bid 2 . Partner
can pass or correct to 2 .
 Clubs and hearts (4-4 or better). After partner's redouble, bid 2 . If partner
tries correcting to 2 (see above), rebid 2 .

 Diamonds and hearts (4-4 or better). After partner's redouble, bid 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 / with a 5-card suit.

Alternatively, opener can make the following rebids instead of redouble (to
consume bidding space while still following the Law of Total Tricks):

 2 shows 4+ clubs. Responder can correct to 3 .

 2 shows 4+ clubs and diamonds. Responder can correct to 3 / .

2 Shows clubs and spades (4-4 or better). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or
correct to 2 with longer spades.

2 Shows diamonds and spades.

2 Shows hearts and spades.

2 Natural, 5+ spades, signoff.

2NT 5-5 or longer in the minors.

3x Preemptive, 6-7 card suit, signoff.

Opener's alternative rebids after responder redoubles have been termed "paradox" bids,
which are artificial bids of "a suit you haven't got in response to a conventional bid that
shows ambiguously one of two suits."

Origins
Dig-out was created by British expert Chris Ryall.
Exit Transfers
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Exit Transfers are a "runout" convention after your side has opened 1NT and the
opponents double for penalty. They are similar to Jacoby Transfers, except that they
allow responder to transfer to any of the four suits.

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   Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows any two-suiter (at least 4-4).
After partner's redouble, the rebids are very similar to DONT overcalls:
 Pass shows a desire to play 1NT redoubled.
 2 shows clubs and a higher suit. Partner can pass with club tolerance or bid
2 to fish for the higher suit.
 2 shows diamonds and a higher suit. Partner can pass or bid 2 .
 2 shows hearts and a higher suit (spades). Partner can pass or bid 2 .

2 is not used.
XX Shows 5+ clubs. Partner must bid 2 .

2 Shows 5+ diamonds. Partner must bid 2 .

2 Shows 5+ hearts. Partner must bid 2 .

2 Shows 5+ spades. Partner must bid 2 .

2 Not used.

After the transfer is completed, it is possible to raise the suit with invitational or game-
going values.

Exit transfers are fairly easy to remember, especially if you already play Jacoby transfers.
As with all transfer bids, what I like about them is that they allow opener to play the hand
to protect his/her tenaces.
Origins
Amalya Kearse refers to Exit Transfers in her book "Bridge Conventions Complete" but I
cannot find any earlier documentation about them. I'm guessing that they originated in
the United States based on their name and close relationship to Jacoby transfers.
Helvic Wriggle
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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.
Meckwell Escapes
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Meckwell Escapes comprise an escape system for use after your side has opened 1NT
and the opponents have doubled for penalty. After the double, responder bids as follows:

Pass Shows 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, at least five hearts.
2 Natural, at least five spades.

Responder's rebids after the sequence

1NT X Pass! Pass

2C

Pass Shows at least five clubs.

2 Shows at least five diamonds.
2 Shows 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.
Moscow Escapes
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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.
Owen Wriggle
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The Owen Wriggle is a bidding method after your side has opened 1NT and the
opponents have doubled 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 one of four possible hands:
 A strong hand that wants to play 1NT redoubled. Pass after partner
redoubles.
 A weak hand with 5+ clubs. Bid 2 after partner redoubles.
 A weak hand with 5+ diamonds. Bid 2 after partner redoubles.

 A hand with at least 5-5 in the majors (rare). Bid 2 after partner redoubles.
XX Shows a weak two-suited hand (at least 4-4). Can be any two suits. (Note however
that 5-5 majors are shown via a Pass, above.) Requires partner to bid his cheapest
3+ card suit. The intent is to find the cheapest 7+ card fit, or hope that the opponents
get impatient and 'rescue' you by bidding their own contract. Wriggling at its finest.

2 Shows a weak 4333 (any distribution) and insufficient points to play 1NT
redoubled. This is an SOS bid. Partner is expected to bid his cheapest 4+ card suit.

2 A Jacoby transfer to hearts. Shows 5+ hearts.

2 A Jacoby transfer to spades. Shows 5+ spades.

2 Not used.

Compared to other escape systems, here's what I like about the Owen Wriggle:

1. You get to keep Jacoby transfers, which can be quite useful. When partner opens
a 13-point 1NT and you've got 0 points, it's better to let partner play the contract
to defend his tenaces. Also, if you actually have game-invitational values or better
in a major suit, they are best shown via transfers as well.
 2. The redouble showing two unspecified suits is great. It's abstract enough to force
the opponents into a guessing game about the distribution around the table.

What I dislike about the Owen Wriggle is the 2 reply showing a weak 4333 SOS. In my
opinion, this provides too much information to the opponents. If they end up declaring a
contract (which is common), they already know your partner's no-trump range, his
approximate shape (balanced), and your exact shape (4333).

Origins
The Owen 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. Undoubtedly it was named for its inventor, but I cannot find who that is. If you
have any insight, please let me know.
Staveley Wriggle
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The Staveley Wriggle is a bidding convention after your side has opened 1NT and the
opponents have doubled for penalty. It uses natural responses except for a "multi"-like 2
response that either shows clubs OR one of several different two-suited hands.

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   Natural, weak.

XX Natural. Shows a good, balanced hand interested in playing 1NT redoubled.

2 Shows one of the following hand types:

 4+ clubs, natural. May be 4432 or even 4333.
 A two-suiter in diamonds and hearts (at least 4-4).
 A two-suiter in diamonds and spades (at least 4-4).
 A two-suiter in hearts and spades (at least 4-4).

Partner is expected to pass 2 . If the opponents pass too, then you're playing 2
whether you're in a 2-2 fit or not!

If the opponents do double, then the 2 bidder can either pass (with clubs) or show
a two-suiter:

 Redouble shows diamonds and hearts. Partner must bid 2 or 2 (the latter
with longer hearts).
 2 shows diamonds and spades. Partner passes with diamond tolerance, or
corrects to 2 with longer spades.

 2 shows hearts and spades. Partner passes with heart tolerance, or corrects
to 2 with longer spades.
2 5+ diamonds, non-forcing.

2 5+ hearts, non-forcing.
2 5+ spades, non-forcing.

The 2 bid is pretty creative, but what I dislike about the Staveley Wriggle is the
inability to show clubs + another suit. Most escape systems can't show a weak 4333 hand,
and the Staveley Wriggle is no exception. But it compounds the problem with its inability
to show any 4432 distribution that includes 4 clubs.

Origins
The Staveley 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. I'm guessing it was named after a bridge player named Staveley, or perhaps
even the town of Staveley, England. Please email me if you know its origins.
SWINE
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SWINE is a bidding method after your side has opened or overcalled 1NT (natural) and
the opponents have doubled for penalty. It's an acronym for "Sebesfi-Woods-1-Notrump-
Escape."

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT X ?
Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2
1NT Pass Pass X
?

After the opposing double, the SWINE bids are:

Pass  Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows either a good hand that wants
to play 1NT redoubled, OR any "touching" 2 suits (4-4 or better). After partner's
redouble:
 Pass shows a desire to play 1NT redoubled.
 2 shows clubs and diamonds.
 2 shows diamonds and hearts.
 2 shows hearts and spades.

 2 not used.
XX Requires partner to bid an artificial 2 relay. Shows a weak one-suited hand (5+
cards). With clubs, simply pass partner's 2 bid; otherwise, bid naturally at the 2-
level.

2 Shows clubs and a major (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or bid 2
to ask for the major suit.

2 Shows diamonds and spades (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with 3+ diamonds or
correct to 2 with longer spades.

2 Shows 5+ hearts and constructive values (better than redoubling and then bidding 2
). Non-forcing.

2 Shows 5+ spades and constructive values (better than redoubling and then bidding 2
). Non-forcing.

2NT Shows a strong and unbalanced hand, at least 5-5 shape in any two suits. Game-
forcing.
Origins
SWINE was created in 1973 by Australians Bob Sebesfi and Paul Woods.
Touching Escapes
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Touching Escapes comprise an escape system for use after your side has opened 1NT and
the opponents have doubled for penalty. After the double, responder bids as follows:

Pass Shows at least 4-4 in two non-touching suits (clubs and hearts, clubs and spades,
diamonds and spades), or a hand worth a penalty redouble. Requires partner to XX.
XX Shows a one-suited hand. Requires partner to bid 2 .
2 Shows at least 4-4 in clubs and diamonds. Partner can pass or correct to diamonds.
2 Shows at least 4-4 in diamonds and hearts. Partner can pass or correct to hearts.
2 Shows at least 4-4 in hearts and spades. Partner can pass or correct to spades.
2 Shows spades.

Responder's Rebids
After

1NT X Pass! Pass

XX!

 Pass shows a good hand that wants to play 1NT redoubled.

 2 shows clubs and hearts or clubs and spades. If opener does not want to play in
clubs, he can correct to 2 , asking responder to pass with hearts or correct to 2 .
 2 shows diamonds and spades. Partner can correct to spades if he wants.

After

1NT X XX! Pass

2 !

 Pass shows at least five clubs.

 2D shows at least five diamonds.
 2H shows at least five hearts.
 2S shows at least five spades. Note that responder has two ways of showing
spades; by this route or by responding 2 immediately.

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.
Twisted SWINE
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Twisted SWINE is a bidding method after your side has opened 1NT and the opponents
double for penalty. It's a variant of the SWINE convention. The differences from SWINE
are shown below in red.

Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2

1NT X ?
Partner Opp 1 You Opp 2
1NT Pass Pass X
?

After the opposing double, the Twisted SWINE bids are:

Pass  Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows either a good hand that wants
to play 1NT redoubled, OR diamonds and a black suit (4-4 or better). After partner's
redouble:
 Pass shows a desire to play 1NT redoubled.
 2 shows clubs and diamonds.
 2 shows diamonds and spades.
 2 not used.

 2 not used.
XX Requires partner to bid an artificial 2 relay. Shows a weak one-suited hand (5+
cards) OR a game-forcing one-suiter (rare).
 Weak one suiter: With clubs, simply pass partner's 2 bid; otherwise, bid
naturally at the 2-level.

 Game-forcing one suiter: Bid naturally at the 3-level.

2 Shows clubs and a major (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or bid 2
to ask for the major suit.

2 Shows diamonds and hearts (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with 3+ diamonds or
correct to 2 with longer hearts.

2 Shows hearts and spades (at least 4-4). Partner can pass with heart tolerance or
correct to 2 .

2 Shows 5+ spades and constructive values (better than redoubling and then bidding 2
). Non-forcing.
2NT Shows a strong and unbalanced hand, at least 5-5 shape in any two suits. Game-
forcing.

3-suit Preemptive, presumably a good 6+ card suit or longer. Note this agreement can be
tacked onto practically any escape system.

Origins
Twisted SWINE was created by American player Jeff Goldsmith. Jeff's site has been on
the Internet for many years. For his explanation of the convention, check out his Twisted
SWINE page.

Runouts after 1NT-Dbl (natural)

We play a variation of Hyashi/SWINE, called, without any particularly good reason,
Twisted swine. (There's a very old joke with the punch line "twisted intestines." Don't ask
for the joke.)

We use this after strong or weak notrumps.

1NT-(Dbl)-?

Pass = forces a redouble, promising either

+ , or
+ , or
a penalty redouble
After redouble,
2 = +
2 = +
Pass = business
Opener is allowed to compete after this action if he has length in diamonds; he
may double RHO's bid hoping that the Pass was penalties as long has he has four
or more diamonds. (And the ability to double naturally, of course.)

Once the penalty redouble is exposed, we are in a force at the 2-level only.
Immediate doubles are penalty at any level.

Rdbl = puppet to 2 , shows a single-suiter

After 2 ,
Pass = clubs
2 , 2 = natural, one suited
2 = weak spade single-suited runout
3any = strong, forcing, natural 1-suiter
2 = and a major
Responses:
 2 = natural
2 = pass or correct
Pass of a double is to play
2 = +
2 = +
2 = 6 , non-awful hand, can handle raise in comp
2NT = some strong hand, usually two suited (never happens)
3any = preemptive
3NT = to play, probably gambling, but has enough to expect advancer to pull

Responder can show a 3-suiter short in clubs by redoubling twice. 4333 hands are
sometimes shown this way. Responder can show a 3-suiter short in diamonds via Rdbl..2
...Rdbl.

In general, redoubles are takeout except after the business pass. They can be on hands
that have psyched; if we want to play somewhere, we play it just doubled.

If opener bids an "impossible" suit, it's to play and natural, not fitted. Responder is not
expected to correct. It's usually a six- or seven-card suit or a possible psych.

We will psych responses even after a double if we have a good place to run. If opener
chooses a suit and responder overrides into a different suit, that suggests a psych. (It's
unclear which action was the psych (both?) but opener cannot correct.)

We will once in awhile psych without a place to go, praying to find a non-doomed spot,
especially against a good pair who we hope play takeout doubles. Down seven white
undoubled in the 2-1 fit is probably better than being doubled if responder is broke.

We won't generally psych after a strong notrump, but are quite prone to it after a 10-12.
Sometimes, confusion will be our epitaph. ...or escape.