Transfers after notrump openings and rebids
Partner has made a transfer bid but then gone back to notrumps? Why did he do that and what are we going to do now?
A transfer in bridge is made after a 1NT or 2NT opening by bidding the suit below your actual suit. If you have a 5-card heart suit, you bid 2♦. If you have 5 spades, you bid 2♥.
Transfers command partner to bid the suit above the one you bid. Your second bid, or pass, shows the strength of your hand.
Transfers (simple) 1NT - 2♦ = 5+♥ - 2♥ = 5+♠
You have enough for game with this hand so how do you tell partner?
First tell your partner that you have 5 spades by bidding 2♥, then tell partner that you have enough for game. It is up to partner to choose the final contract, 3NT or 4♠.
Weakness takeout using transfers
You don't have enough for game, and your suit is pretty horrible, but your hand is much more suitable for spades than notrumps. Transfer to 2♠ and pass. Partner, who is stronger, becomes the declarer.
2♠ Rangefinder and minor suited hands
2♠ is no longer needed as a natural bid so most players use 2♠ as a range finder. Opener bids 2NT with a minimum hand and 3♣ with a maximum.
Transfers 1NT - 2♦ = 5+♥ - 2♥ = 5+♠ - 2♠ = RF or SS minor
If you have a long minor you also bid 2♠. Whatever partner responds you will be able to play in either 3♣ or 3♦.
South shows a weak hand with long diamonds.
Continuations
Transfer Continuations 1N - 2♦ -- 2♥ --- 2♠ = 5♠+5♥, INV 1N - 2♥ -- 2♠ --- 3♥ = 5♠+5♥, GF 1N - TRF -- ACCEPT --- 3m ---- 3oM = 4m BUMms Bid Unbid Major minor support
Transfers over 1NT overcall
The same transfer methods apply after a 1NT overcall from our side.
South's 2♥ bid is a transfer. In this case it's also a weakness takeout because there's little chance of making game.
Transfers over 2NT
Transfers over 2NT 2NT - 3♦ = 5+♥ - 3♥ = 5+♠ - 3♠ = minor suit Stayman
The same methods are used over other strong 2NT bids such as 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT or an opening bid at the 2 level by the opposition followed by a 2NT overcall from our side.
tags: #transfers #notrumps
