Dig-Out


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Dig-Out is a bidding method after your side opens 1NT and the opponents double for penalty. It emphasizes the spade suit, with immediate 2C/D/H 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 Dbl ? 

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


After the opposing double, the runouts are:

Bid Meaning
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.
Redouble 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):

  • 2D shows 4+ clubs. Responder can correct to 3C.
  • 2H shows 4+ clubs and diamonds. Responder can correct to 3C/D.
2 Clubs and spades (4-4 or better). Partner can pass with club tolerance, or correct to 2 with longer spades.

2 Diamonds and spades.

2 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.

See also

  • Exit Transfers
    An escape system that uses transfer bids.

  • Helvic Wriggle
    An escape system (wriggle) that includes a conventional pass and redouble, as well as "touching" suit escapes.

  • Meckwell Escapes
    An escape system used by American experts Jeff Meckstroth and Eric Rodwell.

  • Moscow Escapes
    An escape system with suit runouts very similar to the DONT convention.

  • Owen Wriggle
    An escape system (wriggle) that includes a multi-purpose forcing pass and 2 bid to show any 2-suiter.

  • Staveley Wriggle
    An escape system (wriggle) with a "multi" style 2 runout.

  • SWINE
    An escape system by Australians Bob Sebesfi and Paul Woods.

  • Touching Escapes
    An escape system that uses suit bids to show "touching" 2-suiters.

  • Twisted SWINE
    A variation of the SWINE convention.

About

Bridgebum began in 1999 and covers a large set of descriptions of bidding conventions, declarer play and defense, and more.

Latest Update

Meckwell Defense to 1NT
A defensive bidding structure for use against both weak and strong 1NT opening bids.

Contact

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