PITBULLS:

One of the basics of transfers is that they promise some values. There is “gambling Stayman” but no such thing as gambling transfers. You pass 1NT and wait for the opponents to rescue you by bidding. In some cases where your hand is so pathetic , you make a tactical transfer to get out of 1NT . In general though , partner assumes some values for a transfer bid.

Given this transfer basic , Jacoby transfers are still another place for a relay in our system. Transferring to the heart suit can involve a spade relay to 2NT. . The spade relay to 2NT differentiates between invitational 5-5 sequences and forcing sequences with ♥’s as the anchor suit. 2♠ after the transfer to hearts is the relay switch. As usual with relays , direct is strong and relay first shows invitational sequences.

Getting to game after these relay sequences is rare. The 1NT opener needs a super fit with one of the suits to reach game. In general , you can think of these bids as a way to bail out to your best partial after a 1NT opener. ♠xx ♥K10xxx ♦QJ10xx ♣x . Partner opens 1NT so you bid 2♦ to transfer and partner bids 2♥. You now bid 2♠ to tell partner to not become too excited. Partner bids 2NT as ordered and you bail to 3♦. This is not invitational in the standard sense. Partner can only bid again with an exceptional hand otherwise she passes or give preference.

A unique part our transfer structure with forcing to game 5-5’s is asking for shortness. When 5-5’s shown , a Q bid ( next suit up) always shows fit for the 2^nd suit. A preference sets the first transfer suit as trump & asks for shortness. Both a preference and the next suit Q bid bids asks for shortness. It is good Bridge practice to always show shortness with your 5-5’s anyway. This structure demands that you do so.

No relay available for spades as anchor suit with 5-5 invitational sequences. Everything forcing in these transfer to spade auctions , except a direct raise in spades.

Example ♠QJxxx ♥x ♦Ax ♣AQ109x opposite ♠Axx ♥KQx ♦KQ10x ♣Jxx

1NT-P-2♥-P

2♠-P-3♣-P

3♠*-P-4♥-P * show shortness

4♠# # Yech !

Jacoby Sequences

3.1 1NT - 2¨

1NT 2¨

2© usual bid

3♥ max 4 card fit

1NT 2¨

2© 2ª puppet to 2NT: 1) Game Invites or 2) Slam try 46 M’s

2NT 8 to 9

3♣/3¨ 55+ or 5422, Game Force ( direct )

3© 6+©, Game Force ( direct )

3♠/4♣/4♦ splinter, slam try

4♥ 6/7 ♥, Balanced, slam try ( Texas inference)

1NT 2¨

2© 2ª

2NT the usual bid (puppet) spade relay shows invitational hands and bidding natural shows game force

3§/3¨ natural, Game Invite ( went thru relay first ), 5©, 5 in minor

3© 6 ©, Game Invite

3ª 6 ©, 5 ª, GF

3NT 6 ©, balanced, GF

4§/4¨ shortness, Slam Try 64 in M’s

4© 6 ©, 4 ª, Slam Try

3© accepts game invite in ©

1NT 2¨

2© 3§

3¨ § fit, maximum (asks shortness: 3♥=♦; 3♠=♠; 3NT=B)**

3© © fit, maximum (asks shortness: )

4§ RKC in §

4¨ fit for both, maximum

4© Weakest accept (3© and bad hand)

1NT 2¨

2© 3¨

3ª (♦ fit - asks shortness: 3NT=♣; 4♣=♠; 4♦=B)**

4¨ RKC in ¨

3.2 1NT - 2♥

1NT 2♥

2♠ usual bid

3♠ max 4 trump

1NT 2©

2ª 2NT 8 to 9

3♣/3¨ 55+, Game Force

3♠ 6 ♠, Game Invite

4♣/4♦/4♥ splinter, slam try

4♠ 6/7 ♠, balanced slam try (did not Texas)

Preference to the 1^st transfer suit asks for shortness , next suit always accepts 2^nd suit and also asks shortness. Same scheme here as with heart transfer.