Defensive bids

1. Wriggle

Used after 1NT X. Options are:

• XX — asks partner to rebid 2♣, which partner will pass or convert to 2♦. Suggests a 5+ card minor suit.
• 2♦ — transfer to hearts.
• 2♥ — transfer to spades.

2. Crowhurst (aka Multi-Landy)

Used after opposition open 1NT. Options are:

• 2♣ — promises at least 5-4 in the majors. With equal length in both majors, bid 2♦ and let partner pick their preferred suit; otherwise bid your longer major.
• 2♦ — promises a 6+ card major suit. Partner will bid 2♥ to pass or convert to 2♠.
• 2♥ — promises 5+ hearts and a 4+ card minor. Opener should pass with 3+ hearts; otherwise bid 2NT asking partner to bid the minor. With equal shortages in the major and probable minor, pass.
• 2♠ — promises 5+ spades and a 4+ card minor. Opener should pass with 3+ spades; otherwise bid 2NT asking partner to bid the minor. With equal shortages in the major and probable minor, pass.
• 6+ card minors can be bid at the 3 level.

3. Michaels

Used after the opposition make any bid at the one level, and promise 5-5-2-1 distribution or better. Options are:

• Over 1m, 2 of the same minor promises both majors.
• Over 1m, 2NT promises hearts and the other minor.
• Over 1M, 2 of the same major promises the other major and a minor — 2NT enquiry.
• Over 1M, 2NT promises both minors.

4. Jump Overcalls

6-10 points. Always consider vulnerability.

5. Weak 2 major response

After partner opens 1 of a minor, a major response at the 2 level shows a 6 card suit and a maximum of 6 points.

6. Take-out doubles

A double of an opposition opening bid, from 1♣ through 4♥, is for take-out. It promises opening values (or better) and shortage in the suit doubled, with support (typically 3+ cards) for the other suits — especially the unbid majors.

• 1-level (1♣–1♠): 12+ points, shortage in opener's suit, support for the other three suits (ideally 4 cards in any unbid major).
• Weak 2's (2♦/2♥/2♠) and 2NT: double shows opening values with take-out shape; partner bids their best suit at the cheapest level.
• 3-level pre-empts (3♣–3♠): double is take-out and shows around 15+ points with tolerance for the unbid suits.
• 4♣ / 4♦: take-out, showing a strong hand with both majors.
• 4♥: take-out, expecting partner to bid 4♠ with 4+ spades or otherwise pass / convert for penalty with length in hearts.
• Partner of the doubler must bid unless they choose to pass for penalties with strong trumps in the suit doubled. Jump responses show 9-11 points; a cue bid of opener's suit shows game-forcing values.