Mathe Asking Bid
The convention is named for Lew Mathe, the late American expert and WBF Grand Master.
Over a limit raise by partner, the next bid (3
if hearts, 3NT if spades) asks partner to bid their splinter suit, if they have one.
1 |
Pass | 3 |
Pass |
| 3NT* |
* 3NT is used to show a spade cue.
| 1 |
Pass | 3 |
Pass |
| 3 |
Pass | 3NT* |
* 3NT is used to show a spade splinter.
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).
Examples:
| 1 |
Pass | 3 |
Pass |
| 3* |
Pass | 4** |
* Mathe Asking Bid, ** 4 (Denies a splinter)
| 1 |
Pass | 3 |
Pass |
| 3* |
Pass | 4 ** |
Pass |
* Mathe Asking Bid, ** Club splinter
| 1 |
Pass | 3 |
Pass |
| 3NT* | Pass | 4** |