3NT as takeout

Paul Marston was, and is, an innovator. He's the father of the Moscito system (still evolving) and had various bidding ideas back in the day. One of the early ones I saw from him was using 3NT as takeout in reply to partner's X of 3M.

If he still uses that convention, I don't know. Here are three deals from 1985-86 Australian Bridge magazine featuring Marston-Burgess, from actual play or bidding contests.

Deal 1

KQ83____J4
72______853
AK86____Q972
AT7_____J852

(3H) - X - (p) - 3NT
(p) - 4D all pass


Deal 2

7_______Q4
A42_____J873
KQ863___AJ9
AJ76____KQ84

(3S) - X - (p) - 3NT
(p) - 4D - (p) - 4H
(p) - 5C - all pass


Deal 3

AJ93___KQ5
AT6____83
AQ_____873
AJT4___K9863

(3H) - X - (p) - 3NT
(p) - 4C - (p) - 4H
(p) - 5H - (p) - 6C
all pass

Impressive (although the last one looks a bit weird to me). With a natural 3NT-reply I guess you'll pass.

I've never used this one myself but I like it. I've wanted to play it but no partner has been willing. It seems like a useful tool to sort out a potential messy situation. The times I've bid 3NT natural in this auction are so few I can't now remember a single one right now but I'm sure there has been some over the years.

If you try it, pls send deals where it came up, good or bad.