Transfers - Notes

Transfers - A convention used mainly after a NT opening bid

The three most common situations in which transfers is used are;

1. After 1NT opening.
2.  After 2NT opening.
3. After 2Club - 2D - 2NT (stayman and transfers are used).
   
   

Why use transfers?

1. When you are weak, you can arrange for partner to become declarer, thus concealing the strong hand.
2. The weak hand becomes dummy and the opponents have a harder time locating the high cards.
3. The opening lead will come up to the strong hand and declarer will often gain an extra trick as a result.
4. Transfers offer more flexibility in bidding. Eg you can show a 5 card major and then a point count. You can transfer with 0 points or 20.

Stayman is used for four.
Transfers for 5 or more.

Holding a five major the responder must bid the suit below. Opener must then bid the next suit up (Hearts or Spades).

e.g. 1NT - 2D —which says Partner I have 5 Hearts, please bid my suit.
       1NT - 2H - which says Partner I have 5 Spades, please bid my suit.

With a weak hand responder will pass when opener takes the transfer.
Bid 2NT with 11 or 12 points, invitational, allowing the opener to play in NT or suit.
Bid 3 of the transferred suit promising a 6 card suit.
Bid 3 NT with an opening hand giving Declarer the choice of NT or suit.

NB. Transfer and Stayman are STILL on if LHO doubles.

Most commonly used options

The examples above are all transfers to Hearts.
The same applies to Spades, just reverse the Hearts and Spade hands in the examples.