Transfers Acol : Bridge Online

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Transfers are a conventional way of showing a 5-card Major Suit over 1NT and 2NT Opening Bids. Transfers are not used for 4-card majors.

Using transfers is a 2-step process. First you show your suit, then you show your strength.

A transfers is made by bidding the suit below your actual suit. For example, if you have a 5-card heart suit, you bid 2♦; with 5 spades, you bid 2♥.

	♠ AK982
	♥ 82
	♦ KJ5
	♣ K98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♥	P
2♠

With this hand you should bid 2♥ not 2♠. You have 5 spades and yet you bid 2♥? This may seem odd, but the bid is actually a COMMAND to partner to bid the suit above the one you bid.

	♠ 82
	♥ AK982
	♦ KJ5
	♣ K98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♦	P
2♥

In this case, partner must bid 2♥. This is not any indication of partner's holding. Partner is simply doing what you requested.

1. Game-going Hands

	♠ AQ982
	♥ 82
	♦ KJ5
	♣ K98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♥	P
2♠	P	3NT

You have enough for game with this hand, so tell partner. The beauty of this convention is that you can now bid 3NT. You have now told partner that you have 5 spades, as well as game values. It is up to partner to choose the final contract. Partner's choice depends on the number of spades in her hand.

	♠ 82
	♥ AK9842
	♦ KJ5
	♣ J9

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♦	P
2♥	P	?

We know that we have a fit, as partner has a balanced hand. 4♥ will be the best contract.

2. Invitational Hands

	♠ AQ982
	♥ 82
	♦ KQ5
	♣ T98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♥	P
2♠	P	2NT

You don't have enough for game, but you have enough to invite. Transfer to spades and then bid an invitational 2NT. Once again, you shown partner your shape and your strength.

	♠ 82
	♥ AQ9842
	♦ KJ5
	♣ T9

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♦	P
2♥	P	?

Here, we have got invitational values for game but no interest in notrumps. Bid 3♥. Your first bid showed 5 hearts, so 3♥ promises a 6-card suit.

3. Weak Hands

	♠ JT9872
	♥ 82
	♦ KJ5
	♣ 98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♥	P
2♠	P	P	P

You don't have enough for game but your hand is much more suitable for spades than notrumps. Transfer to 2♠ and pass. The great thing about transfers with a weak hand is that partner, who is stronger, often becomes declarer.

4. Weak Minor Hands

Don't transfer with a 5-card minor. You need a 6-card suit at least.

	♠ KJ5
	♥ 98
	♦ JT98762
	♣ 8

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♠	P
3♣	P	3♦	P
P	P

This bid demands that partner bid 3♣. You now pass with a long weak club suit or bid 3♦ with a long weak diamond suit. Partner must pass that bid.

Responses to 1NT
1NT P 2♣ = Stayman
1NT P 2♦ = 5+ hearts
1NT P 2♥ = 5+ spades
1NT P 2♠ = 6+ minor suit

	♠ 54
	♥ AT9754
	♦ 53
	♣ 643

West	North	East	South
1♠	1NT	P	2♦
P	2♥	P	P
P

Transfers can be used over 1NT overcalls as well as 1NT openings. They can also be used over 2NT openings.

When not to use transfers

Transfers SHOWS a 5-card major. Stayman ASKS for a 4-card major. This difference is very important. Don't use Stayman to show 5-card majors.

If your opponents overcall or double your 1NT opening, transfers no longer apply.

Have fun and don't give up just because you forget the first few times. Remember to turn transfers and Stayman on from the settings option on the main menu before you play.

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