Transfers over 2NT
23rd January 2008
If partner opens the bidding with 2NT, it is much easier to describe the shape and strength of your hand using transfers. It is also possible, if you have a long major suit and a weak hand, to play in your suit at the three level.
Examples
Hand A
| 2NT | 3 |
3 |
3NT |
This sequence promises a five card heart suit and game values. Partner can pass or bid 4.
Hand B
| 2NT | 3 |
3 |
4 |
This promises at least six spades with game values.
Hand C
| 2NT | 3 |
| 3 |
Pass |
This shows a weak hand with a long spade suit.
Hand D
| 2NT | 3 |
| 3 |
3 |
This promises games values with five hearts and four spades.
Hand E
| 2NT | 3 |
| 3 |
4 |
This promises 5+ hearts and 4+ clubs (forcing) and presumably no interest on No Trumps.
Note that some partnerships would use the 4 bid as a cue-bid.
Five spades and four Hearts
It is difficult to show a hand with five spades and four hearts without passing 3NT.
One system is to use 2NT - 3 to promise that shape and at least game values.
2NT - 4NT
2NT - 4NT is quantitative/invitational (not Blackwood) showing 11/12 points. So in order to ask for aces,
many use Gerber, i.e. 2NT - 4.
2NT - 3
2NT - 3 can be used as Stayman to find a major fit. A better use is to use it to
find a fit in any suit. This is known as Baron, where the 2NT opener is requested to bid four card
suits in ascending order.
So with the following hand:
|
A K 8 Q J 9 8 K J 8 4 A K
|
The bidding could go:
| 2NT | 3 |
| 3 (I have 4 diamonds) |
3 (I have 4 hearts) |
| 4 (so have I) |
The sequence 2NT - 3 - 3NT denies holding a four card diamond, heart or spade suit,
so must show a four card club suit.