Four Suit Transfers

     As with Jacoby transfers, after partner's opening 1NT, responder bids below a long suit so that opener, usually the stronger hand, declares.

  • 2 - transfer to
  • 2 - transfer to
  • 2 - transfer to
  • 2NT - transfer to

    • AKxx Kxxx QTx Kx might open 1N.
    xx QJT87 xxxx xx would then transfer to hearts by bidding 2. Five or more cards in the suit required.

    Opener Responder
    1N (15-17)
    2 (transfer, 5+ hearts)
    2

     

     

     

    Super Accepts:
    The 1N opener might have extraordinary support for partner's suit.
    In order to help responder judge prospects for game, and/or preempt the opponents, the 1N opener may decide to jump a level and bid 3 instead of just 2. Four trumps opposite five assures at least a 9 card fit.
    AKxx Kxxx QTx Kx

    There are a number of other bids between 2 and 3 that also show show a heart fit. All of them do.
    For some 2N shows 3 trumps and a maximum 1N opener (17):
    AKxx Kxx ATxx Kx
    How about 2 shows 4 trumps, and a maximum 1N opener (17), and first round control of spades:
    AKx Kxxx ATxx Kx
    Similarly, 3 could show the same hand with the A instead of the A:
    Kx Kxxx ATxx AKx
    You've probably already guessed about 3:
    Kx AKxx ATxx Kxx

    Since much of the value of a transfer is having the strong 1N declare, you may wish to allow responder room to "re-transfer" with 3 and disallow both 3 and 3 as super accepts. Just 2 may be used instead.

    Opener Responder
    1N (15-17)
    2 (transfer)
    2 (4 hearts+maximum+A)
    3(retransfer)
    3

    Opener has shown a very good hand. Responder may have decided to sign off at the lowest trump level.
    Responder could have made a game/slam try by bidding 2N or 3. With a 9+ card heart fit, is 2N to play?
    Similarly, Responder may bid over 3 with slam interest, or simply sign off in 4.

    Super Accepts after a Minor Suit Transfer

    Opener Responder
    1N (15-17)
    2 (transfer to clubs)
    2N(Kxx or better or longer)
    ?

     

     


    Responder may transfer to a club suit. There still remains one step before the suit, 2N, which opener may use to show a holding of Kxx or better (i.e. Axx, KJx, or any four+ clubs xxxx) AND a maximum
    AK KQxx QTx Kxxx
    A weak hand opposite might have to declare, losing the benefit of the transfer: xx xx xxx Qxxxxx
    but often the opponents have been preempted from competing in the majors.
    Opposite stronger hands,
    xxx Axx A AQxxxx, a step towards 7 made have been made.

    Opener Responder
    1N (15-17)
    2 (transfer to clubs)
    2N (Kxx or better or longer)
    3 (slam try, shortness)
    3 (A and not A)
    4 (A or void)
    4 (K)
    5 (A, two of AKQ, heart ask)
    7 (3rd round control+K+one of AKQ)

     

     

     

     

     

    Inviting in NT (2N now shows diamonds instead)

    To invite game in NT, responder must first bid 2("Fake" Stayman), then rebid 2NT*.
    (*Alert!: May not have a 4 card major)

    Opener LHO Responder RHO
    1NT Pass 2 Pass
    2 Pass 2N!  

         Responder denies 4 spades and 4 hearts and shows a NT invitational hand.



     

    Opener LHO Responder RHO
    1NT Pass 2 Pass
    2 Pass 2* Pass
    Pass with 3 or 4 spades
    2NT minimum, <4 spades
    3NT maximum, <4 spades
    4 maximum, 4 spades

    Without this weird looking 2 bid, afit might be missed if opener has 4 of each major.
    Recommended     is this invitational 2 [after a 2 reply to 2(Stayman)]

  • * AT87 T2 KT54 JT3