The opening bid of 1 no trump and The opening bid of 1 no trump and responsesresponses

Douglas RussellDouglas Russell

Auckland Bridge ClubAuckland Bridge Club12 June 201412 June 2014

The opening bid of 1 no trump and The opening bid of 1 no trump and responsesresponses

• What do I expect if partner opens 1 no trump?What do I expect if partner opens 1 no trump?• Responding to 1NT with a balanced handResponding to 1NT with a balanced hand• The Stayman ConventionThe Stayman Convention• Transfer ResponsesTransfer Responses• Jump ResponsesJump Responses

The opening bid of 1 no trumpThe opening bid of 1 no trump An opening bid of 1 no trump shows a balanced hand with 12-14 An opening bid of 1 no trump shows a balanced hand with 12-14

points points (NB: if you decide to use a strong 1NT opening instead, (NB: if you decide to use a strong 1NT opening instead, adjust your responses accordingly)adjust your responses accordingly)

We define balanced asWe define balanced as

No singleton or voidNo singleton or voidNo more than one doubletonNo more than one doubletonNo 5-card or longer major suitNo 5-card or longer major suit

The hand will usually be 4 3 3 3 or 4 4 3 2 shapeThe hand will usually be 4 3 3 3 or 4 4 3 2 shape

The hand may contain a 5-card minor suit – it will then be 5 3 3 2 The hand may contain a 5-card minor suit – it will then be 5 3 3 2 shapeshape

Responding to 1NT with aResponding to 1NT with abalanced handbalanced hand

Since partner also has a balanced hand, this is often a case of simple Since partner also has a balanced hand, this is often a case of simple arithmetic. The combined values needed for a game in no trumps arithmetic. The combined values needed for a game in no trumps are about 25 points, and for a small slam about 33-34 points. So are about 25 points, and for a small slam about 33-34 points. So when responding with a balanced hand:when responding with a balanced hand:

less than 11 pointsless than 11 points PassPass

11-12 points11-12 points Invite game with a raise to 2NT Invite game with a raise to 2NT (but (but see later for an alternative)see later for an alternative)

12-18 points12-18 points Raise immediately to 3NTRaise immediately to 3NT

19-20 points19-20 points Invite slam with a raise to 4NTInvite slam with a raise to 4NT

21-23 points21-23 points Raise to 6NTRaise to 6NT

But if you decide to raise, don’t forget to use Stayman or But if you decide to raise, don’t forget to use Stayman or transfer if appropriate! We shall look at these shortly.transfer if appropriate! We shall look at these shortly.

Responding to 1NT with aResponding to 1NT with abalanced hand: examplesbalanced hand: examples

1NT - pass - ?

A 8 5 A 8 5

K 7 4K 7 4

10 7 5 410 7 5 4

Q 6 5Q 6 5

A 6 4A 6 4 K 3 2K 3 2 K 10 7 4K 10 7 4 A 9 6A 9 6

Responder has 9 points, and even if Responder has 9 points, and even if opener is maximum (14 points) the opener is maximum (14 points) the combined values are short of the 25 or combined values are short of the 25 or so needed for game. Pass.so needed for game. Pass.

Adding your 14 points to opener’s values Adding your 14 points to opener’s values gives a combined holding of 26-28 gives a combined holding of 26-28 points. This is fine for a game, but well points. This is fine for a game, but well short of slam. Bid 3NT.short of slam. Bid 3NT.

1NT - pass - ?1NT - pass - ?

A J 5 A J 5 7 47 4 K 10 7K 10 7 A J 9 3 2A J 9 3 2

A 9 4A 9 4 K 10 2K 10 2 J 10 7 4J 10 7 4 K 9 6K 9 6

With 13 points and a relatively “flat” hand, a With 13 points and a relatively “flat” hand, a contract of 3NT should be a good bet. contract of 3NT should be a good bet. Game in clubs requires 11 tricks and Game in clubs requires 11 tricks and therefore more values. Raise to 3NT.therefore more values. Raise to 3NT.

With a “good” 11 points, game may be on if With a “good” 11 points, game may be on if opener is better than minimum. Invite him opener is better than minimum. Invite him to go on to game if he holds a decent 1NT to go on to game if he holds a decent 1NT opening bid by raising to 2NT (not forcing).opening bid by raising to 2NT (not forcing).

1NT - pass - ?

A J 5 A J 5 A Q JA Q J K 10 7K 10 7 A J 9 3A J 9 3

Holding 20 points, you must thinkthink in terms of a slam. This should be fine unless opener is dead minimum. Raise to 4NT, inviting him to bid 6NT unless his opening is minimum.

A 6 2 A 6 2 Q 10 5 3Q 10 5 3 8 28 2 A K 8 4A K 8 4

Although a raise to 3NT would not be bad, Although a raise to 3NT would not be bad, there is a better alternative. If opener has 4 there is a better alternative. If opener has 4 hearts, then game in hearts may well be hearts, then game in hearts may well be easier than 3NT. We shall find the way to easier than 3NT. We shall find the way to discover if this is the case shortly.discover if this is the case shortly.

The Stayman conventionThe Stayman convention

What if responder has a 4-card major and wishes to know if opener What if responder has a 4-card major and wishes to know if opener also holds 4 cards in the suit, so providing an 8-card trump fit that also holds 4 cards in the suit, so providing an 8-card trump fit that would make a major suit contract attractive?would make a major suit contract attractive?

How does responder find out if opener has the 4-card fit for his How does responder find out if opener has the 4-card fit for his major suit? Why is it so important to find a fit (if it exists)?major suit? Why is it so important to find a fit (if it exists)?

When responder has a 4-card major suit and values for game, and When responder has a 4-card major suit and values for game, and the opener also has 4 cards in that major, then the combined 8-card the opener also has 4 cards in that major, then the combined 8-card trump fit will usually produce a superior game contract in the major trump fit will usually produce a superior game contract in the major rather than 3NT. Here is an example:rather than 3NT. Here is an example:

West EastWest East

K 7 K 7 A 6 2 A 6 2 K J 9 4 K J 9 4 Q 10 5 3 Q 10 5 3 A 6 5 A 6 5 8 2 8 2 Q 9 3 2 Q 9 3 2 A K 8 4 A K 8 4

West opens 1NT. With a West opens 1NT. With a balanced hand and 13 balanced hand and 13 points, we have enough to points, we have enough to raise to 3NT. However, a raise to 3NT. However, a diamond lead may well diamond lead may well defeat this contract.defeat this contract.

The solution is to be found in the Stayman Convention - the most The solution is to be found in the Stayman Convention - the most popular and useful artificial bid of all.popular and useful artificial bid of all.

A response of 2A response of 2 to the opening 1NT is nothing to do with clubs. to the opening 1NT is nothing to do with clubs. Instead, it is artificial, and asks the 1NT opener if he holds a 4-card Instead, it is artificial, and asks the 1NT opener if he holds a 4-card major suit. major suit.

Opener must reply as follows:Opener must reply as follows:

22 I have a 4-card spade suitI have a 4-card spade suit

22 I have a 4-card heart suitI have a 4-card heart suit

22 I have no 4-card major suitI have no 4-card major suit

Sometimes opener will hold both 4 hearts and 4 spades. The correct Sometimes opener will hold both 4 hearts and 4 spades. The correct response here is 2response here is 2, and most books will say that a reply of 2, and most books will say that a reply of 2 denies four hearts. In fact it does not matter whether opener, with denies four hearts. In fact it does not matter whether opener, with both majors, replies to the 2both majors, replies to the 2 enquiry with 2 enquiry with 2 or 2 or 2, as long as the , as long as the partnership remember that the 2partnership remember that the 2 enquiry initially implies the enquiry initially implies the presence of a 4-card major suit in responder’s hand (why would presence of a 4-card major suit in responder’s hand (why would responder ask the question if he has no 4-card major suit himself?). responder ask the question if he has no 4-card major suit himself?). However, it is easiest to play that a response of 2However, it is easiest to play that a response of 2 is made holding is made holding both majors, with a 2both majors, with a 2 reply showing four spades but denying four reply showing four spades but denying four hearts.hearts.

How strong do you need to be to use Stayman?How strong do you need to be to use Stayman?

You will perhaps hear players saying that “they wanted to bid You will perhaps hear players saying that “they wanted to bid Stayman, but they were not strong enough”. So, the question is: Stayman, but they were not strong enough”. So, the question is: how strong must you be to bid Stayman?how strong must you be to bid Stayman?

Since the response of 2Since the response of 2 (Stayman) is a question, and in itself (Stayman) is a question, and in itself promises nothing specific, the only requirement is that the promises nothing specific, the only requirement is that the responder should not be embarrassed by any response that opener responder should not be embarrassed by any response that opener may make. may make.

Remember that there are only three possible responses to your 2Remember that there are only three possible responses to your 2 bid: 2bid: 2, 2, 2, and 2, and 2..

Usually responder will hold enough strength to continue with a bid Usually responder will hold enough strength to continue with a bid of at least 2NT if the response does not reveal a fit.of at least 2NT if the response does not reveal a fit.

Examples:Examples:

1NT - ?1NT - ?

K J 8 4K J 8 4 K 7 5 3K 7 5 3 Q 5Q 5 Q 10 8Q 10 8

K J 8 4K J 8 4 K 7 5 3K 7 5 3 A 5A 5 Q 10 8Q 10 8

Responder has the ideal strength to invite Responder has the ideal strength to invite game with 2NT. However, he can invite game with 2NT. However, he can invite game via Stayman: if a major fit exists, by game via Stayman: if a major fit exists, by raising to 3raising to 3 or 3 or 3, or bidding 2NT over 2, or bidding 2NT over 2

Again, the response to 1NT Should be Again, the response to 1NT Should be Stayman. This time, responder has values Stayman. This time, responder has values for game, so he raises 2for game, so he raises 2 or 2 or 2 to game in to game in the major, or bids 3NT over a 2the major, or bids 3NT over a 2 response. response.

However, there are some situations where Stayman can be used However, there are some situations where Stayman can be used on a weak hand. Consider the following hands hands after partner on a weak hand. Consider the following hands hands after partner has opened 1NT:has opened 1NT:

1NT - ?1NT - ?

J 8J 8 K 7 5 4 2K 7 5 4 2 Q 5 3 2Q 5 3 2 6 46 4

J 8 4 2J 8 4 2 K 7 5 4 2K 7 5 4 2 Q 3 2Q 3 2 66

Responder shows his Responder shows his , as his heart suit is , as his heart suit is likely to be useful as trumps, a normal likely to be useful as trumps, a normal “weak takeout”. Do not use Stayman here, “weak takeout”. Do not use Stayman here, as a reply of 2as a reply of 2 would embarrass you! would embarrass you!

This time, a Stayman 2This time, a Stayman 2 is fine. Over a 2 is fine. Over a 2

response you can bid 2response you can bid 2, and you are , and you are

happy to pass if opener bids 2 of either happy to pass if opener bids 2 of either

major. No reply presents a problem.major. No reply presents a problem.

On occasions responder may be able to pass any response and have On occasions responder may be able to pass any response and have reasonable expectations that the contract thus reached is better reasonable expectations that the contract thus reached is better than if he had passed the opening bid of 1NT, e.g. opener bids 1NT than if he had passed the opening bid of 1NT, e.g. opener bids 1NT and responder holdsand responder holds

9 5 3 29 5 3 2

7 4 3 27 4 3 2

10 9 7 5 410 9 7 5 4

voidvoid

Remember - you can use Stayman providing nothing can go wrong. Remember - you can use Stayman providing nothing can go wrong. Here, no reply will embarrass you.Here, no reply will embarrass you.

What if responder bids 2What if responder bids 2 (Stayman)? He can (Stayman)? He can pass a 2pass a 2 reply (so this becomes the contract, reply (so this becomes the contract, just as if he had responded 2just as if he had responded 2). He will also ). He will also pass a 2pass a 2 or 2 or 2 reply, having found a 4-4 fit reply, having found a 4-4 fit which is surely better than passing 1NT.which is surely better than passing 1NT.

Typical Stayman sequencesTypical Stayman sequences

1NT1NT 2 2 (do you have a major suit?) (do you have a major suit?)22 (hearts) 4 (hearts) 4 (good, so do I, plus values for game) (good, so do I, plus values for game)passpass

1NT1NT 2222 2NT (don’t like hearts, pass or bid 3NT)2NT (don’t like hearts, pass or bid 3NT)3NT (better than minimum)3NT (better than minimum)

1NT 1NT 2222 2NT (as above)2NT (as above)44 (maximum, 4 spades as well as 4 hearts, inferring a 4-card (maximum, 4 spades as well as 4 hearts, inferring a 4-card spade suit in responder’s hand because he used Stayman)spade suit in responder’s hand because he used Stayman)

Quiz on using staymanQuiz on using stayman

Which of the following hands are suitable for using a Stayman 2Which of the following hands are suitable for using a Stayman 2 response to partner’s opening bid of 1NT?response to partner’s opening bid of 1NT?

A J 8 4A J 8 4 K 9 8K 9 8 7 57 5 A Q 10 8A Q 10 8

This is a good hand for Stayman. If opener This is a good hand for Stayman. If opener bids 2bids 2 you raise to 4 you raise to 4. Otherwise, you will . Otherwise, you will simply bid 3NT over a 2simply bid 3NT over a 2 or 2 or 2 response response to your Stayman enquiry.to your Stayman enquiry.

Again, responder should start with Again, responder should start with Stayman. This time, he has values to invite Stayman. This time, he has values to invite game, so he raises 2game, so he raises 2 to 3 to 3 (invitational) (invitational) or rebids 2NT over 2or rebids 2NT over 2 or 2 or 2, inviting 3NT., inviting 3NT.

A J 8 4A J 8 4 K 9 8K 9 8 7 57 5 K 10 8 7K 10 8 7

1NT - pass - ?1NT - pass - ?

88

A J 7 4A J 7 4

10 8 7 510 8 7 5

K 8 6 5K 8 6 5

Do Do notnot use Stayman on this hand. You are use Stayman on this hand. You are

fine if partner obliges by responding 2fine if partner obliges by responding 2, but , but

you are in trouble if he bids 2you are in trouble if he bids 2 or 2 or 2. If you . If you

then bid 2NT it would show about 11 points.then bid 2NT it would show about 11 points.

Q 8 6 5 4Q 8 6 5 4 K 7 4 3K 7 4 3 7 47 4 J 8J 8

This is a time when Stayman can be used This is a time when Stayman can be used

with very limited strength. You intend to with very limited strength. You intend to

pass a reply of 2pass a reply of 2 or 2 or 2, and over 2, and over 2 you you

bid 2bid 2, which is still a weakness takeout., which is still a weakness takeout.

TRANSFER RESPONSES TO 1NTTRANSFER RESPONSES TO 1NT

IntroductionIntroduction

The principle of transfer responses is as follows:The principle of transfer responses is as follows:

• a response of 2a response of 2 is Stayman is Stayman• a bid of 2a bid of 2 shows a 5-card or longer heart suit shows a 5-card or longer heart suit• a bid of 2a bid of 2 shows a 5-card or longer spade suit shows a 5-card or longer spade suit• a response of 2a response of 2 can now be used in a conventional way can now be used in a conventional way • a response of 2NT is also conventionala response of 2NT is also conventional• 3-level bids show a strong suit in a hand with slam interest 3-level bids show a strong suit in a hand with slam interest

(but see later for another use)(but see later for another use)We shall examine how this structure works, and the advantages that it We shall examine how this structure works, and the advantages that it provides in responding to the 1NT opening bid.provides in responding to the 1NT opening bid.

The responses of 2The responses of 2 and 2 and 2

The response of 2The response of 2 shows a hand containing at least five hearts. It shows a hand containing at least five hearts. It asks opener to bid 2asks opener to bid 2. After this, responder can pass with a limited . After this, responder can pass with a limited hand (the equivalent of making a weak takeout bid of 2hand (the equivalent of making a weak takeout bid of 2 when when using standard responses to 1NT) or bid on with extra values.using standard responses to 1NT) or bid on with extra values.

Similarly, a response of 2Similarly, a response of 2 shows a hand with at least five spades shows a hand with at least five spades and asks partner to bid 2and asks partner to bid 2. This can be passed (which is equivalent . This can be passed (which is equivalent to 1NT - 2to 1NT - 2 when not using transfers) or responder may bid on. when not using transfers) or responder may bid on.

These responses of 2These responses of 2 and 2 and 2 are known as are known as red suit transfersred suit transfers

Note: if opponents double the 1NT opening or bid a suit, Note: if opponents double the 1NT opening or bid a suit, transfers are abandoned and suit bids become natural.transfers are abandoned and suit bids become natural.

Continuing the bidding after 1NT - 2Continuing the bidding after 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2

When responder has made the transfer response of 2When responder has made the transfer response of 2 and opener and opener has dutifully bid 2has dutifully bid 2, responder may continue as follows:, responder may continue as follows:

PassPass showing a weak takeout to 2showing a weak takeout to 2 (0 points +) (0 points +)

Bid of a new suitBid of a new suit natural, forcing for 1 roundnatural, forcing for 1 round

(e.g. 2(e.g. 2, 3, 3, 3, 3)) (opener cannot pass)(opener cannot pass)

33 a 6-card or longer heart suit, invitationala 6-card or longer heart suit, invitational

(but see later for a different use)(but see later for a different use)

44 a 6-card or longer heart suit, sign-off a 6-card or longer heart suit, sign-off

In addition, responder may now bid no trumps. This would show a In addition, responder may now bid no trumps. This would show a balanced hand, bearing in mind that responder, by using the balanced hand, bearing in mind that responder, by using the transfer response, has already shown a 5-card major suit.transfer response, has already shown a 5-card major suit.

So, after So, after 1NT - 21NT - 2 - 2 - 2 responder may bid:responder may bid:

2NT 2NT (a) exactly five hearts, otherwise a balanced hand(a) exactly five hearts, otherwise a balanced hand

(b) 11-12 points, inviting game(b) 11-12 points, inviting game

Opener may now:Opener may now:

pass or bid 3pass or bid 3 (declining the game invitation) (declining the game invitation)

raise to 3NT or bid 4raise to 3NT or bid 4 with enough to go on to gamewith enough to go on to game

Similarly, after Similarly, after 1NT - 21NT - 2 - 2 - 2 responder may bid:responder may bid:

3NT3NT showing a five card heart suit in a balanced hand showing a five card heart suit in a balanced hand and enough points for game, e.g. 13+ pointsand enough points for game, e.g. 13+ points

Opener may now choose between 3NT (by passing) when he holds Opener may now choose between 3NT (by passing) when he holds only two hearts and a game of 4only two hearts and a game of 4 with three or four card support with three or four card support for partner’s 5-card suit.for partner’s 5-card suit.

Note that, since the 3NT bid by responder is not forcing, he must bid Note that, since the 3NT bid by responder is not forcing, he must bid more strongly if he wishes to show a 5-card heart suit, a balanced more strongly if he wishes to show a 5-card heart suit, a balanced hand and also slam ambitions.hand and also slam ambitions.

Bidding hands that are a problem without transfersBidding hands that are a problem without transfers

Using standard (non-transfer) responses to 1NT, there are a number Using standard (non-transfer) responses to 1NT, there are a number of hand types that present a problem. Consider the following hand:of hand types that present a problem. Consider the following hand:

8 78 7

A Q 6 4 3A Q 6 4 3

K 7 4K 7 4

Q 10 8Q 10 8

We saw that responder may invite game with We saw that responder may invite game with a sequence using Stayman (bidding 2a sequence using Stayman (bidding 2 then then 33 as an invitation). However, if opener is as an invitation). However, if opener is minimum with only two hearts, a 2NT minimum with only two hearts, a 2NT contract would be preferable to passing 3contract would be preferable to passing 3

Now we may show this hand by bidding 1NT - 2Now we may show this hand by bidding 1NT - 2 and after and after the 2the 2 bid by opener, we bid 2NT. When opener is minimum, bid by opener, we bid 2NT. When opener is minimum, he may pass with no liking for hearts.he may pass with no liking for hearts.

Here is another example of how the transfer style of responses may Here is another example of how the transfer style of responses may help us to avoid an awkward situation:help us to avoid an awkward situation:

8 78 7

A K 6 4 3A K 6 4 3

8 78 7

A K J 7A K J 7

Using standard methods, a forcing response Using standard methods, a forcing response of 3of 3 is made, but if opener bids 3NT, do we is made, but if opener bids 3NT, do we bid on? There may be a slam in clubs, but it bid on? There may be a slam in clubs, but it may be that 3NT is our best spot. The 3may be that 3NT is our best spot. The 3 consumes too much bidding space.consumes too much bidding space.

Now we may show this hand by bidding 1NT - 2Now we may show this hand by bidding 1NT - 2 and after and after the 2the 2 bid by opener, we bid 3 bid by opener, we bid 3. This shows 5 (or more) . This shows 5 (or more) hearts, 4 (or more) clubs and is forcing. We have described hearts, 4 (or more) clubs and is forcing. We have described our hand well, and opener may now bid on according to his our hand well, and opener may now bid on according to his hand: 3hand: 3 (minimum), 3NT with no fit for hearts, or 4 (minimum), 3NT with no fit for hearts, or 4 with with three or four cards in hearts (maximum).three or four cards in hearts (maximum).

Examples of using transfer responsesExamples of using transfer responses

Responding to West’s opening bid of 1NT:Responding to West’s opening bid of 1NT:

Q 9 8 7 5Q 9 8 7 5

7 5 27 5 2

J 10 8J 10 8

7 47 4

East responds 2East responds 2 and passes the 2 and passes the 2 reply. reply. This has the advantage that the opening This has the advantage that the opening lead comes round to partner’s stronger hand, lead comes round to partner’s stronger hand, which may help to protect his holdings in a which may help to protect his holdings in a particular suit.particular suit.

8 78 7

A Q 7 5 2A Q 7 5 2

8 7 28 7 2

A K 4A K 4

East bids 2East bids 2 and then bids 3NT over West’s and then bids 3NT over West’s 22 reply. This shows exactly five hearts in a reply. This shows exactly five hearts in a balanced hand and enough values for game. balanced hand and enough values for game. With With J rather than J rather than K, East would bid 2NT K, East would bid 2NT (invitational) on his second bid.(invitational) on his second bid.

8 78 7

A Q 8 7 5 2A Q 8 7 5 2

A 8 7A 8 7

7 47 4

East responds 2East responds 2 and passes the 2 and passes the 2 reply. reply. This has the advantage that the opening This has the advantage that the opening lead comes round to partner’s stronger hand, lead comes round to partner’s stronger hand, which may help to protect his holdings in a which may help to protect his holdings in a particular suit.particular suit.

East bids 2East bids 2 and over the 2 and over the 2 reply he reply he continues with 2continues with 2. This invites West to bid . This invites West to bid the best game holding a maximum, and with the best game holding a maximum, and with a minimum to bid 2NT, 3a minimum to bid 2NT, 3 or 3 or 3 which which responder may pass.responder may pass.

East responds 2East responds 2. After opener’s 2. After opener’s 2 reply, reply, responder should realise that, with points in responder should realise that, with points in all suits, a no trump contract is the likely all suits, a no trump contract is the likely alternative to game in hearts, so should now alternative to game in hearts, so should now bid 3NT rather than 3bid 3NT rather than 3 (forcing). (forcing).

A J 8 7A J 8 7

K 10 8 7 2K 10 8 7 2

K 7K 7

7 47 4

K 8K 8

A Q 8 7 5A Q 8 7 5

K 7K 7

Q 9 7 4Q 9 7 4

K 7 3K 7 3

A Q 8 7 5A Q 8 7 5

77

A Q 7 4A Q 7 4

8 78 7

A Q 8 7 2A Q 8 7 2

Q 7Q 7

Q J 7 4Q J 7 4

This time, East bids 2This time, East bids 2 (transfer) and then (transfer) and then 33 (forcing). If opener now bids 3 (forcing). If opener now bids 3 to show to show a minimum, East may bid 3a minimum, East may bid 3. This cannot be . This cannot be a suit (East would have preferred 2a suit (East would have preferred 2 over over 22) helping West to judge the best contract.) helping West to judge the best contract.

East bids 2East bids 2 and over the 2 and over the 2 reply he reply he continues with 2NT, as he is not strong continues with 2NT, as he is not strong enough for a bid of 3enough for a bid of 3. He has shown a . He has shown a balanced invitational hand with a five card balanced invitational hand with a five card heart suit – a good description. heart suit – a good description.

9 89 8

A Q 8 7 5A Q 8 7 5

8 78 7

A J 10 9A J 10 9

East responds 2East responds 2 and this time may and this time may continue with 3continue with 3 (forcing). This may seem (forcing). This may seem excessive but is in fact safe. This is because excessive but is in fact safe. This is because if opener is minimum he will now bid 3if opener is minimum he will now bid 3 and and East can pass.East can pass.

Opener’s continuation after a red suit transferOpener’s continuation after a red suit transfer

Often responder, after the transfer and opener’s reply, may make a Often responder, after the transfer and opener’s reply, may make a bid that decides the final contract. However, he may choose a bid that decides the final contract. However, he may choose a continuation that asks opener’s opinion. For example:continuation that asks opener’s opinion. For example:

West EastWest East

1NT 1NT 22

22 2NT 2NT

This is invitational, so opener has two questions to answer:This is invitational, so opener has two questions to answer:

• Should I accept the game invitation or settle for a part-score?Should I accept the game invitation or settle for a part-score?

• Is hearts or no trumps the correct denomination?Is hearts or no trumps the correct denomination?

The bidding starts:The bidding starts: West West EastEast

1NT 1NT 22

22 2NT 2NT

??

K J 7K J 7

7 27 2

A Q 7 3A Q 7 3

K 6 4 2K 6 4 2

West passes 2NT. With only two hearts he West passes 2NT. With only two hearts he prefers this to a heart contract, and with a prefers this to a heart contract, and with a poor 13 point hand he is not worth a game. If poor 13 point hand he is not worth a game. If he had 14 points, or even some good he had 14 points, or even some good intermediate cards, he would raise to 3NT.intermediate cards, he would raise to 3NT.

A J 8A J 8

K 7 5K 7 5

A Q 4 2A Q 4 2

7 4 37 4 3

West jumps to 4West jumps to 4. His hand is maximum, so . His hand is maximum, so he accepts the invitation, and he has 3-card he accepts the invitation, and he has 3-card support for partner’s 5-card heart suit. If support for partner’s 5-card heart suit. If West had only 12 points, or a poor 13 points, West had only 12 points, or a poor 13 points, he would bid just 3he would bid just 3..

Super-accepts: breaking the transfer Super-accepts: breaking the transfer (optional)(optional)

When responder makes a red suit transfer, opener’s hand may be When responder makes a red suit transfer, opener’s hand may be so improved by the knowledge that his partner has a 5-card major so improved by the knowledge that his partner has a 5-card major suit that he wishes to show some enthusiasm. He would like to suit that he wishes to show some enthusiasm. He would like to make a bid other than simply the normal reply to show how suitable make a bid other than simply the normal reply to show how suitable his hand appears to be.his hand appears to be.

There are various ways to do this, but the simplest is to jump in the There are various ways to do this, but the simplest is to jump in the major to show a “super-accept”. Responder may then reconsider if major to show a “super-accept”. Responder may then reconsider if he wishes to bid on.he wishes to bid on.

Of course, if responder was intending to pass the expected (i.e. non-Of course, if responder was intending to pass the expected (i.e. non-jump) reply with a hand wishing to make a weakness takeout, then jump) reply with a hand wishing to make a weakness takeout, then the partnership may find itself too high. the partnership may find itself too high.

Here is an example of this method:Here is an example of this method:

WestWest EastEast

West’s hand is so suitable when partner shows a 5-card heart suit West’s hand is so suitable when partner shows a 5-card heart suit that he “breaks” the transfer by jumping to 3that he “breaks” the transfer by jumping to 3. East was going to . East was going to pass a normal reply of 2pass a normal reply of 2, but now he reassesses his hand and bids , but now he reassesses his hand and bids on to the good game in hearts. on to the good game in hearts.

West West EastEast

1NT 1NT 22

??

7 67 6

K Q 4 3K Q 4 3

A 10 8 4A 10 8 4

A 5 4A 5 4

10 9 810 9 8

A J 10 9 6 5A J 10 9 6 5

J 9J 9

K 2K 2

West West EastEast

1NT 1NT 22

33 4 4

passpass

The 2The 2 response to 1NT response to 1NT

Using red suit transfers, a natural response of 2Using red suit transfers, a natural response of 2 is no longer is no longer needed. It is therefore available to be used in a conventional needed. It is therefore available to be used in a conventional (artificial) sense. It shows(artificial) sense. It shows

EITHEREITHER a value raise to 2NT, 11-12 points, no 4-card a value raise to 2NT, 11-12 points, no 4-card major (else responder would use Stayman)major (else responder would use Stayman)

OROR 18+ points with slam ambitions, searching for a18+ points with slam ambitions, searching for a

4-4 fit (including the minor suits)4-4 fit (including the minor suits)

Opener replies 2NT with a minimum hand (and responder, with the Opener replies 2NT with a minimum hand (and responder, with the first type will pass, but with the strong type will, of course, bid on). first type will pass, but with the strong type will, of course, bid on). With a maximum, opener shows his lowest 4-card suit. With the With a maximum, opener shows his lowest 4-card suit. With the strong type of hand, responder may now move forward, looking for strong type of hand, responder may now move forward, looking for a possible fit for slam purposes.a possible fit for slam purposes.

The 2The 2 response in action response in action

West opens 1NT, and East holds:West opens 1NT, and East holds:

K 8 7K 8 7

J 10 5J 10 5

K Q 9 7K Q 9 7

K 9 8K 9 8

K Q 5 4K Q 5 4

A 8A 8

K Q 10 8K Q 10 8

A 7 4A 7 4

East bids 2East bids 2. If West shows a minimum with . If West shows a minimum with a rebid of 2NT, East will pass. However, if a rebid of 2NT, East will pass. However, if West has a maximum and bids a suit, East West has a maximum and bids a suit, East will simply bid 3NT. This shows West which will simply bid 3NT. This shows West which type of 2type of 2 bid East had. bid East had.

East again bids 2East again bids 2. If West shows a . If West shows a minimum by bidding 2NT, East will content minimum by bidding 2NT, East will content himself with 3NT. But if West shows a himself with 3NT. But if West shows a maximum by bidding a suit, East will bid on, maximum by bidding a suit, East will bid on, raising or bidding his own suits.raising or bidding his own suits.

A 7A 7

Q 10 9Q 10 9

A 9 8 4A 9 8 4

K J 6 3K J 6 3

K Q J 10K Q J 10

A 6 5A 6 5

K Q J 10K Q J 10

A 2A 2

West West East East

1NT 1NT 2211

33 2 2 3 3 33

44 44 4NT 4NT 55

55 66 6 6

passpass1 1 East is looking for a slam and tries to locate a 4-4 suit fit East is looking for a slam and tries to locate a 4-4 suit fit

22 Showing a maximum and a 4-card club suit Showing a maximum and a 4-card club suit

3 3 Four diamonds and slam interest Four diamonds and slam interest

44 Confirming the 4-4 diamond fit Confirming the 4-4 diamond fit

55 Blackwood, checking that two aces are not missing Blackwood, checking that two aces are not missing

6 6 Two aces Two aces

A 7A 7

Q 10 9Q 10 9

A 9 8 4A 9 8 4

Q 9 8 6 Q 9 8 6

K Q 5 4K Q 5 4

A 8A 8

K Q 10 8K Q 10 8

A 7 2A 7 2

West West East East

1NT 1NT 22 11

2NT 2NT 22 3 3 33

3NT 3NT 44 pass pass

11 East has slam interest if opener is maximum East has slam interest if opener is maximum

22 West’s 2NT rebid shows a minimum hand West’s 2NT rebid shows a minimum hand

33 East is no longer thinking of a slam. However, he bids 3 East is no longer thinking of a slam. However, he bids 3 in case opener has a spade fit. in case opener has a spade fit.

44 No fit for spades No fit for spades

The 2NT response to 1NTThe 2NT response to 1NT

Since the invitational raise to 2NT can now be made via the Since the invitational raise to 2NT can now be made via the response of 2response of 2 (sometimes called a (sometimes called a Baron 2Baron 2 response response) the ) the immediate bid of 2NT can be put to better use.immediate bid of 2NT can be put to better use.

The response of 2NT tells opener to bid 3The response of 2NT tells opener to bid 3. Note: opener may not . Note: opener may not “break” this transfer. It shows a weak hand with a long minor suit “break” this transfer. It shows a weak hand with a long minor suit that simply wants to play in the suit at the 3-level that simply wants to play in the suit at the 3-level (but see later for a (but see later for a further use with a strong hand)further use with a strong hand). After opener bids 3. After opener bids 3, responder , responder passes or bids 3passes or bids 3..

10 9 7 610 9 7 6

K Q J 9K Q J 9

Q 4Q 4

A 5 4 A 5 4

88

3 23 2

J 10 9 6 5 3 2J 10 9 6 5 3 2

Q J 2 Q J 2

West West East East

1NT 1NT 2NT2NT

33 3 3

passpass

Responding to 1NT with Invitational or Strong Responding to 1NT with Invitational or Strong Unbalanced HandsUnbalanced Hands

What follows lays out some options for bidding good unbalanced What follows lays out some options for bidding good unbalanced hands – you should discuss with your regular partner which hands – you should discuss with your regular partner which methods you choose.methods you choose.

With a good hand containing a major suit of 6+ cards, you have two With a good hand containing a major suit of 6+ cards, you have two options:options:

(i) (i) jump in the suit directly, eg 1NT–3jump in the suit directly, eg 1NT–3;;

(ii) (ii) transfer to the suit and then repeat it, eg 1NT-2transfer to the suit and then repeat it, eg 1NT-2-2-2-3-3..

You should use one of these to show a game invitational hand with You should use one of these to show a game invitational hand with 6+ 6+ , and the other to show a slam try with 6+ , and the other to show a slam try with 6+ . Which you should . Which you should choose is a matter to discuss with your partner; my personal choose is a matter to discuss with your partner; my personal preference is to use the direct jump as invitational, and the repeat preference is to use the direct jump as invitational, and the repeat of the transfer suit as a slam try.of the transfer suit as a slam try.

With a hand containing a minor suit of 6+ cards, most players use a With a hand containing a minor suit of 6+ cards, most players use a jump bid to show a hand that is invitational to 3NT: thus 1NT–3jump bid to show a hand that is invitational to 3NT: thus 1NT–3 or 3or 3 means “I have a good 6 card minor with about 10-11 points – means “I have a good 6 card minor with about 10-11 points – please bid 3NT if you are maximum and have some help in my please bid 3NT if you are maximum and have some help in my minor, otherwise pass”minor, otherwise pass”

So how can we show a slam try in a minor? We can use an So how can we show a slam try in a minor? We can use an extension of the 2NT transfer bid as follows:extension of the 2NT transfer bid as follows:

(i) 1NT – 2NT – 3(i) 1NT – 2NT – 3 - pass = a weak hand with long - pass = a weak hand with long (ii) 1NT – 2NT – 3(ii) 1NT – 2NT – 3 - 3 - 3 = a weak hand with long = a weak hand with long

(iii) 1NT – 2NT – 3(iii) 1NT – 2NT – 3 - 3 - 3 = a strong hand with long = a strong hand with long (iv) 1NT – 2NT – 3(iv) 1NT – 2NT – 3 - 3 - 3 = a strong hand with long = a strong hand with long

(v) (v) 1NT – 2NT – 31NT – 2NT – 3 - 3NT = a strong hand with both minors - 3NT = a strong hand with both minors

These methods cover all possible cases where you have an These methods cover all possible cases where you have an unbalanced hand containing a minor suit.unbalanced hand containing a minor suit.

The Gerber ConventionThe Gerber Convention

Very rarely, all you might want to know is how many aces the 1NT Very rarely, all you might want to know is how many aces the 1NT opener has; how do you do this? You cannot bid 4NT (Blackwood), opener has; how do you do this? You cannot bid 4NT (Blackwood), because this is because this is quantitativequantitative (asking partner to pass or bid 6NT with a (asking partner to pass or bid 6NT with a maximum). maximum). This is one of the few cases where the 4This is one of the few cases where the 4 Gerber ace asking Gerber ace asking convention can be used convention can be used (NB; the wider use of Gerber as a general (NB; the wider use of Gerber as a general ace asking bid is NOT recommended)ace asking bid is NOT recommended). . Opener shows the number of Opener shows the number of aces that he holds by bidding up the line, ie aces that he holds by bidding up the line, ie

44 with no aces with no aces44 with one ace with one ace44 with two aces, etc with two aces, etc

Some further matters to discuss with your partnerSome further matters to discuss with your partner

How do you deal with a penalty double by the opponents?How do you deal with a penalty double by the opponents?

How do you deal with a natural suit overcall by the How do you deal with a natural suit overcall by the opponents?opponents?

How do you deal with an artificial overcall by the opponents?How do you deal with an artificial overcall by the opponents?

The End!The End!

Thanks to you all for coming Thanks to you all for coming along!along!

And Good Luck in your BridgeAnd Good Luck in your Bridge