Partner | Opp 1 | Responder | Opp 2 | |||
1NT | Dbl | ? |
Partner | Opp 1 | Responder | Opp 2 | |||
1NT | Pass | Pass | Dbl | |||
? |
After the opposing double, the "wriggle" bids are:
Meaning | |
---|---|
Pass | Requires partner to make an artificial redouble. Shows one of four possible hands:
|
Redouble | 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![]() | 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![]() | 5+ hearts. A Jacoby transfer. |
2![]() | 5+ spades. A Jacoby transfer. |
2![]() | Not used. |
Partner | Opp 1 | Responder | Opp 2 | |||
1NT | Pass | Pass | Dbl | |||
? |
Meaning | |
---|---|
Pass | Same as above, except that opener can't be interested in playing 1NT redoubled. Responder is allowed to pass out the double for penalties, if holding a good balanced hand. |
![]() ![]() | Still a Jacoby transfer if your 1NT can contain a 5-card major. However, it makes little sense to transfer once partner has already passed with a weak hand. These bids, along with ![]() |
Compared to other escape systems, here's what I like about the Owen Wriggle:
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).
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.
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