[cherdano]

I would like to know what everyone is using as a guideline as for when to accept transfers in competition.

Example situations:
1. 1♠-(X)-2♦
2. (1♣)-1♠-(P)-2♦
3. 1♦-(2♣)-2♦
4. (1♦)-2♣-(P)-2♦

All of the above are transfers to hearts. They could be a NFB-type hand (with 6 or good 5 hearts), which would pass the transfer, or an invitational or better hand (5 hearts certainly enough, could be 4 excellent ones).

Does completing the transfer show tolerance? (If yes, how much? xx?) Does breaking the transfer show extra values? Or only if breaking to a higher level? Or only if breaking beyond the next level of our own suit? (I.e. 3♦ in example 3 or 3♣ in example 4.)
Is the NFB-type hand allowed to bid again?

Arend

[Chamaco]

Hi Arend,
you might want to check a similar question/thread I posted some time ago :-)

http://forums.bridgebase.com/index.php?sho...500&hl=transfer

[Robert]

Hello everyone

Some pairs play the XX shows 9-11HCP and seeks partners opinion. He can rebid his suit, double or even pass.

A pass followed by a X suggests that the other pair has sinned.

I like to play transfer replies 'if' room permits. 1C-(X)-XX=diamonds, 1D=hearts, 1H=spades, 1S=balanced(semi) hand. You make the doubler lead away from his honors and also gain any other lead advantage. You also get another bid 'if' needed.

Partner accepts the transfer with 3 card support(at the one level) and can jump with 14-15HCP and 4 card support(by bidding at the two level) With less than 3 card support partner makes another bid.

Sometimes you simply have to accept' a transfer at the two level. You might have a 5431 hand and partner 'transfers' to your stiff. If you do not have the values(or suit) for another bid you 'accept' the transfer 'in tempo.' No fair making faces before 'accepting' the transfer bid.

One Italian method(Ambra) is to have two level transfers show six card suits or have extra values(you are going to make a strong rebid to show the extra values)

Meckwell and some other methods 'reverse' the meaning of some transfers to gain space. You might want to 'reverse' the meaning of the transfer to gain bidding space. Ambra sometimes changes the meaning of the cue bid and the suits(I think?) I can look up the exact details from Ambra if needed. It is posted on the net.

Regards,
Robert

[Gerben42]

These transfers are different to 1NT transfers in the fact that partner is not sure to have two cards in the transfer suit. I think the correct approach is: Bid whatever you would have bid over the NF variation of the transfer bid, i.e.

1♠ dbl 2♦ p
2♥ = I would have passed a nonforcing 2♥.

[Chamaco]

Jlall, on Nov 7 2005, 02:42 PM, said:

Agree with Gerben, just bid as you would over a NF natural bid by pard.

Which brings back to the folllwing cases.
In both cases, the question is: if you by pass 2C, breaking the xfer, bidding 2D or 2H, are you suggesting a misfit hand and trying to improve the contract or are you showing a forward going hand, either superaccepting or showing extras ?




Case 1
1D-(1S)-1NT*-(p)
?

1NT*= Forcing, xfer to clubs, either with NFB-type of hand or strong

You hold
xxxx-KQJx-AJTxx-void


Case 2
1H-(1S)-1NT*-(p)
?
1NT*= Forcing, xfer to clubs, either with NFB-type of hand or strong

You hold
xxxx-KQJxx-AJTx-void

[inquiry]

Feel free to break them a lot. After all, unlike 1NT/2NT openings, where openers hand is WELL known, after 1 of a suit, openers hand is very unknown. I complete the transfer when weak as opener, often with as few as two card fit.

Since I play misiry, if I jump in a new suit, this is a fit for the suit partner showed (as I can not have strong two suiter). Also, you should give some consideration as to whether good/bad 2NT applies or if 2NT instead of complete transfer is natural (or even if it is some kind of stregth/more information inquiry). I see no need for 2NT being stregth inquiry, just jump to three level raise if you have fit, without one, you may need 2NT more to play/natural...after all, you need someplace to land. Ask yourself this, can your transfer be lead director with fit for openers suit or weak with transfer suit?

You might do as follows...

1♠-(2♣)-2♦*-(pass)

• 2♥ = weak, generally at least two card support
  
• 2♠/3♦ = no fit, suit worth showing
  
• 2NT = no fit, invitational, values
  
• 3♣ = good game invite fit raise,
  
• 3♥ = semi-preemptive raise, good fit, not a lot of values (See 3c),
  
• 3NT = big old hand,
  
• 4minor = fit, splinter,
  
• 4♥ = natural and obviously non-forcing.

[han]

inquiry, on Nov 7 2005, 11:55 AM, said:

You might do as follows...

1♠-(2♣)-2♦*-(pass)

• 2♥ = weak, generally at least two card support
  
• 2♠/3♦ = no fit, suit worth showing
  
• 2NT = no fit, invitational, values
  
• 3♣ = good game invite fit raise,
  
• 3♥ = semi-preemptive raise, good fit, not a lot of values (See 3c),
  
• 3NT = big old hand,
  
• 4minor = fit, splinter,
  
• 4♥ = natural and obviously non-forcing.

I agree with what Ben says.

Would 3D be forcing here? I think so.

Would 3S be a splinter?