I decided to write up a thing on transfer advances. These can be played in
many, many different settings. Here are some:
1. 1M (x):
When we open 1M and they double. Then transfers start with 1NT and go up
to 2M-1. Example: After 1S (x)
- 1NT shows clubs, shows moderate values, does not promise a rebid,
could be spade raise with club lead-direct
- 2C shows diamonds, same
- 2D shows hearts, same
- 2H shows a constructive spade raise, about 8-9 points
- 2S shows a bad spade raise, 0-7 points
Note: With a 3-card limit raise, redouble and bid 2S like you would
otherwise.
2a. (1x) 1M (x):
When we overcall 1M and they double. Then transfers start with 1NT and go
up to 2M-1. Example: After (1D) 1H (x)
- 1S shows spades, forcing one round
- 1NT shows clubs, shows moderate values, does not promise a rebid,
could be spade raise with club lead-direct
- 2C shows a limit raise in hearts
- 2D shows a constructive heart raise, about 8-9 points
- 2H shows a bad heart raise, 0-7 points
2b. (1x) 1y (x) :
When we overcall 1y and they double. Then transfers start with xx and go
around 1NT. Example: After (1C) 1H (x):
- xx shows spades, moderate values, does not promise rebid, could be
heart raise with spade lead-direct
- 1S shows a limit raise or better in hearts
- 1NT is natural, about 8-11 points
- 2C shows diamonds, same strength as xx
- 2D shows a constructive heart raise, about 8-9 points
- 2H shows a bad heart raise, 0-7 points
3. (kx) my (p)
When we overcall in a non-jump fashion and they pass. Then transfers
start with the cuebid and go around notrump. Example: After (2D) 2S (p):
- 2NT is natural and invitational
- 3C shows clubs, forcing one round
- 3D shows hearts, forcing one round, could be a spade raise with a
heart lead-direct
- 3H is a limit raise or better in spades
- 3S is a limit raise in spades (still a good hand, same as a normal 3S
bid)
Note: (m+1)y is always a limit raise (as opposed to a constructive raise.)
I currently play 1, 2b, and 3 with both Eric and Ari.
(What
are our agreements if they double our simple 2-level or higher overcall?)
In all of these cases where the transfer shows moderate values (most of
them), bid as you would bid over an NFB of the transfer. In particular,
tend to accept the transfer with a minimum and at least 2-card support
(ideally Hx.) If you are stuck, you can rebid your own suit, which does
not necessarily promise an extra card, just the inability to bid something
more descriptive. Bidding anything that looks strong (i.e. anything above
2M which is not 2NT) is.