What if the Opponents Use Mathe?


A long time ago an expert by the name of Lew Mathe once said to his partner,

    If they open a strong club, double for majors and bid 1NT for minors.
              ...Anything else is natural."


Below is a proposed defense to the Mathe convention.

If They Double to Show Both Majors:
  • Redouble shows 8+ HCP and no five card suit
  • Bidding a minor is natural and shows 8+ HCP
  • 1NT shows at least 4-4 in the minors

    If They Bid 1NT to Show Both Minors:
  • Double shows at least 4-4 in the majors
  • Bidding a major is natural and shows 8+ HCP



    Should we use Mathe when we meet other Big Club bidders?
    Sure, it's easy to remember, but Mathe was developed a long time ago and now there's a better way.
    Below is Modified Mathe.

      Double  =  Majors
      1NT  =   Minors
      1    =   Diamonds
      1    =   Heart and a Minor
      1    =   Spades and a Minor
      2    =   Clubs
      2    =   Hearts
      2    =   Spades


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