Transfers (aka Jacoby Transfers)
This convention is very useful after a 1NT opening allowing the partnership to exchange information very accurately while right-siding the contract. It is also used over 2NT openings, 2D-2H/S-2NT and 2C-2D-2NT sequences, 1NT overcalls and genuine (i.e. not unusual) 2NT overcalls.
When partner opens 1NT, and assuming there is no intervention, 2D shows 5+ hearts and instructs partner to bid 2H while 2H shows 5+ spades and instructs partner to bid 2S. Opener does as he is told and at this point has absolutely no clue as to partner’s strength.
Responder’s continuations (1NT-2D-2H used as example, 1NT-2H-2S analogous)
Bouncing & Breaking
Transferring to the Minors
This is less common but if partner opens 1NT and you have 6 of a minor, it may be better to play in the minor. So these transfers guarantee a six card suit. They also absolutely deny a 5 card major. Over 1NT;
Opener has two options over 2S;
Likewise over 2NT;
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This convention is very useful after a 1NT opening allowing the partnership to exchange information very accurately while right-siding the contract. It is also used over 2NT openings, 2D-2H/S-2NT and 2C-2D-2NT sequences, 1NT overcalls and genuine (i.e. not unusual) 2NT overcalls.
When partner opens 1NT, and assuming there is no intervention, 2D shows 5+ hearts and instructs partner to bid 2H while 2H shows 5+ spades and instructs partner to bid 2S. Opener does as he is told and at this point has absolutely no clue as to partner’s strength.
Responder’s continuations (1NT-2D-2H used as example, 1NT-2H-2S analogous)
- Pass - A weak takeout
- 2NT - Invitational (11-12) points, nothing more to say. Opener can pass, bid 3NT, 3M or 4M.
- 2S - Invitational with 4+ spades as well as 5 hearts. (Analogous sequence is 1NT-2H-2S-3H except this is game forcing).
- 3C - Game forcing with a 4+ club side suit.
- 3D - Game forcing with a 4+ diamond side suit.
- 3H - Invitational with extra heart length (6+).
- 3S - Game forcing with 4+ spades as well as 5 hearts.
- 3NT - Pass or correct to 4H.
- 4H - Sign-off promising 6+ hearts.
Bouncing & Breaking
- If opener has 4 cards in the major he is being transferred into and 14 points, he can convey this piece of good news by bouncing (aka super-accepting) the transfer e.g. 1NT-2D-3H.
- If opener has 4 cards in the major he is being transferred into, 14 points and a small doubleton, be can convey this piece of even better news by breaking the transfer, bidding his small doubleton as cheaply as possible e.g. 1NT-2D-3C shows 4 hearts, 14 points and an xx club doubleton.
Transferring to the Minors
This is less common but if partner opens 1NT and you have 6 of a minor, it may be better to play in the minor. So these transfers guarantee a six card suit. They also absolutely deny a 5 card major. Over 1NT;
- 2S is a transfer to clubs
- 2NT is a transfer to diamonds
Opener has two options over 2S;
- 3C is a simple acceptance of the transfer and ends the auction
- 2NT is a super-accept and promises 14 points plus at least Axx, Kxx, QJx or xxxx. The auction proceeds naturally
Likewise over 2NT;
- 3D is a simple acceptance of the transfer and ends the auction
- 3C is a super-accept and promises 14 points plus at least Axx, Kxx, QJx or xxxx. The auction proceeds naturally
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