M J Bridge

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Conventions

M J Bridge

Home

Bidding

Hands

Theory

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

-

?









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-types.


However, there is not an immediate parallel with the better-known scenario in which partner makes a transfer response to a no trump opening.   In that case responder is promising a specific holding - typically five cards in the next suit up - and the transfer break can be used to agree this suit.


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- or five-card in a two-suited hand, or longer in a single-suited hand.  A bid of 2 will almost invariably show a single-suited hand in clubs, but the 2 bid heralds a variety of possibilities (single-suited in diamonds, two-suited in diamonds and another, weak 4-4 in the majors, and strong 5-5 in the majors).

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-suited in clubs.


With a weak hand bid 3 (of course).


With a stronger hand bid 2NT - forcing and promising at least invitational values.

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-suited the new-suit bid should be seen as a no trump stop on the way to 3NT or 4.


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

-

?









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

-

?










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

-

?









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

-

?










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-card major you should bid that major (forcing).

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-suiter overcaller will raise to three or four.

With a minor suit holding partner will 3 or 4.

LHO

Pard

RHO

You

1NT

2

-

?









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

-

?









Intermediate and above

Post intermediate and above

Overcaller’s first bid

Overcaller’s rebid