Mathe Asking Bids

Mathe Asking Bids are used by opener after a major suit limit raise. The cheapest level rebid by opener, i.e. 3 or 3NT, asks responder to bid a short suit (i.e. splinter). The asking bid is game-forcing with interest in slam. It shows around 18-20 points and 5-6 losers.

To make an asking bid, opener should have a side suit that can score ruffs opposite a singleton or void. Examples: Axxx, Axx, xxxx. Alternatively, opener may have a good side suit and will stop in game opposite shortness (i.e. a misfit).

The convention is named for Lew Mathe, the late American expert and WBF Grand Master.

After the auction begins 1 : 3, opener bids 3 to ask for a short suit (any singleton or void). Responder's rebids are:

Rebid	Meaning
3NT	A singleton / void in
4	A singleton / void in
4	A singleton / void in
4	No singleton / void

If the auction begins 1 : 3, opener bids 3NT to ask for a short suit). Responder's rebids are:

Rebid	Meaning
4	A singleton / void in
4	A singleton / void in
4	A singleton / void in
4	No singleton / void

		Opener			Responder
		AQ			87
		AK983			QJ52
		J752			K984
		A6			KQ5
		Opener 1 3 (2) Pass			Responder 3 (1) 4 (3)

1. Limit raise
2. Mathe Asking Bid (hoping for diamond shortness)
3. No short suit

		Opener			Responder
		Q873			5
		AKJ83			QT52
		6			AKJ
		AK9			T8732
		Opener 1 3 (2) 4 (4) 6			Responder 3 (1) 3NT (3) 4 (5) Pass

1. Limit raise
2. Mathe Asking Bid
3. Singleton or void in spades
4. Cuebid
5. Cuebid

		Opener			Responder
		AK876			J942
		KQJ8			5
		AT6			K953
		5			AQ87
		Opener 1 3NT (2) 4 (4)			Responder 3 (1) 4 (3) Pass

1. Limit raise
2. Mathe Asking Bid
3. Singleton or void in hearts
4. Stopping in game with a heart suit misfit