M J Bridge
♦
♠
♥
♣
Bidding
M J Bridge
♦
♠
♥
♣
Bidding
Partner makes a transfer overcall
Of course, the simplest method is always to complete the transfer, and this will in any case be the most common action.
♠
♥
♦
♣
K 8 7 4
Q J 7 5
8 6
Q 5 3
Bid 2♦.
It might turn out that you have a major suit fit, but it is more likely that partner has a long diamond suit.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♣ |
- |
? |
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Breaking the transfer
As with any transfer or relay situation, a slavish adherence to the standard transfer or relay response, whilst certainly being the usual action, will waste the opportunity to utilise a number of other sequences which might be made available for some specific hand-
However, there is not an immediate parallel with the better-
In the version of transfer overcalls which I have suggested in the section on overcalling, the bids of 2♦ and 2♥ will certainly promise the next suit up, but it might be four-
The transfer breaks must be defined and used with these various possibilities in mind.
A basic principle is that with a weak hand you will complete the transfer. You must allow partner to play in his long suit at a low level on a weak holding.
It follows that any transfer break will promise at least invitational values.
In the following I shall consider only 2NT as an artificial forcing relay.
This releases any suit bid other than the completion of the transfer to be used as a competitive offering carrying the message ‘This is the only contract in which I want to play’.
Clearly there is scope for alternative partnership agreements.
Starting with the more straightforward cases:-
Partner bid 2♠ (transfer to clubs)
Partner is single-
With a weak hand bid 3♣ (of course).
With a stronger hand bid 2NT -
Overcaller will rebid 3♣ with the minimum hand.
With a stronger hand he can introduce a new suit or bid 3NT. As he is not two-
Note also that overcaller’s rebid of 3NT will not always be the final contract. Advancer may correct, typically to 5♣, if appropriate.
♠
♥
♦
♣
K 8 7 4
J 7 6 5
8 6
Q 5 3
Bid 3♣.
Quite simply, not strong enough to do anything else.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♠ |
- |
? |
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♠
♥
♦
♣
A 8 7 4
K Q 6 5
8 6
Q 5 3
Bid 2NT.
You might pass a weak rebid of 3♣, but any other rebid should see you on the way to game.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♠ |
- |
? |
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Partner bid 2♦ or 2♥
Once again, with a weak hand you have no choice but to complete the transfer.
There is a little space to expand on the following, but the simplest agreement is to bid 2NT on any stronger hand, forcing partner to define his hand with his rebid.
♠
♥
♦
♣
K 8 7 4
J 7 6 5
8 6
Q 5 3
Bid 2♥.
Quite simply, not strong enough to do anything else, although you might raise the level in the face of subsequent enemy action.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♦ |
- |
? |
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♠
♥
♦
♣
A 8 7 4
K Q 6 5
8 6
Q 5 3
Bid 2NT.
Most sequences will lead to a final contract of 4♠.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♥ |
- |
? |
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Partner bid 2♣
As ever, with a weak hand you have no choice but to complete the transfer.
With so much space available it would be wasteful to take all strong hands via the 2NT route.
A simple agreement would be that with a strong hand, diamond support, and a four-
With any other strong hand bid 2NT, as above. (Clearly you could expand on this method.)
♠
♥
♦
♣
A 8 7 4
7 5
A Q 8 6
Q J 5 3
Bid 2♠.
With a major two-
With a minor suit holding partner will 3♦ or 4♦.
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♣ |
- |
? |
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♠
♥
♦
♣
A 7 4
K Q 5
Q 8 6
Q J 5 3
Bid 2NT.
Partner can show his hand after which you can choose your contract (probably 3NT).
LHO |
Pard |
RHO |
You |
1NT |
2♣ |
- |
? |
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Intermediate and above
Post intermediate and above
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
Opener's rebid |
Overcaller's rebid and beyond |
Responder's rebid and beyond |
The continuing auction |
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
Opener's rebid |
Overcaller's rebid and beyond |
Responder's rebid and beyond |
The continuing auction |