Moscow Rescue From 1NT Doubled

The described runout from 1NT - DBL was played for several years with a weak NT with rarely a poor result. The Moscow Rescue is simple and gives both opener and responder chances to show five card and four card suits. With a good hand, responder can also opt to sit for the double. And even when the opponents can collect on a penalty double, they must make the correct decisions every call to do it.

Principles

Following a double of 1NT in either the direct or the balancing seat, the first priority is to show a five card suit. PASS denies a five card suit unless that would end the auction. In that case REDOUBLE denies a five card suit.

After both have denied a five card suit, up-the-line bidding of four card suits begins. A four-three fit is acceptable. Often opener or responder develops a good picture of the combined hands and is able to pinpoint a four-four fit.

The Two Basic Auctions

When the opponents DOUBLE in direct position, responder will bid a five card suit, PASS without a five card suit, or REDOUBLE if willing to play 1NT-XX. Opener then bids a five card suit or will REDOUBLE. Responder then bids his lowest ranking four card suit. Opener can pass with a four-two fit if non-vulnerable and if opponents do not double. Or opener may choose to bid a four card suit at the two level.

When the opponents DOUBLE in the balancing seat, opener will PASS or bid a five card minor. Opener must not REDOUBLE, since responder will use that bid to deny a five card suit. Responder bids a five card suit or will REDOUBLE to keep the auction alive. Opener then bids his lowest ranking four card suit. Responder may PASS or bid a four card suit at the two level.

Transfer Variation

After a direct double of 1NT, responder can transfer his five card suit to opener.

Using transfers, responder can also show some 4-4 distributions, in the DONT style, by bidding again after opener bids 2Club in response to responder's REDOUBLE.

After opener's rebid of 2Club

Playing transfers permits inferences to be drawn in the auction which begins INT - (DBL) - pass - (pass) - RDBL - (pass) Now responder's rebid of 2Diamond shows 3-3-4-3 distribution, since: (1) with clubs and diamonds responder would start with 2Club, and (2) with diamonds and a higher-ranking suit responder would have REDOUBLED and rebid 2Diamond. Likewise, in the above auction, responder's rebid of 2Heart shows 3-4-3-3 distribution.