Responses
No Trump
Assumes a 15-17 NT opener and four-suit transfers. A NT opener is a limit bid: opener has described their hand in one shot, and responder drives subsequent bidding.
| Opener | Responder | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1NT | 2♣ | Stayman (1) |
| 1NT | 2♦ | Transfer to ♥ (2) |
| 1NT | 2♥ | Transfer to ♠ (2) |
| 1NT | 2♠ | Transfer to ♣ (3) |
| 1NT | 2NT | Transfer to ♦ (3) |
| 2NT | 20-22 balanced (4) | |
| 3NT | Solid minor (5) |
- 1NT→2♣
- Notes
- Stayman (1)
- 1NT→2♦
- Notes
- Transfer to ♥ (2)
- 1NT→2♥
- Notes
- Transfer to ♠ (2)
- 1NT→2♠
- Notes
- Transfer to ♣ (3)
- 1NT→2NT
- Notes
- Transfer to ♦ (3)
- 2NT
- Notes
- 20-22 balanced (4)
- 3NT
- Notes
- Solid minor (5)
Notes
- 1.Because we play four-suit transfers, 2♣ can be used as a waiting bid to bid 2NT over opener's response, with a balanced 10-11 points. This is non-promissory Stayman.
- 2.With 4+ cards in responder's suit and maximum points, opener should bid the requested suit at the three level. Once the transfer is complete, a subsequent change of suit is forcing for one round.
- 3.Responder must hold 6+ cards to use the minor-suit transfers. With 2+ cards to the A, K or Q, opener should break the transfer by bidding the suit below (e.g. 1NT – 2♠ – 2NT). Responder can subside into their suit with a poor hand, or bid 3NT if their suit is now solid and they hold the necessary points.
- 4.Stayman and major-suit transfers apply over 2NT.
- 5.3NT promises a solid 7+ card minor. If responder can stop the other three suits, pass; otherwise bid 4♣, which opener will pass or correct to 4♦.
Key
- M= Majors
- m= Minors
- NT= No Trump
- s= suit
- a= another suit
- l= lower suit
- x= Double
- xx= Redouble