Opening 1NT, simple four-suit transfers

In general I prefer to pass my partner’s opening 1NT rather than make a transfer into a minor on a weak hand and a six-card suit.

If West chooses to transfer into diamonds and then pass, as shown, it will promise at least a six-card suit.

Opening 1NT, two tier transfer responses

2NT by West promises a diamond holding.  On this occasion he was considering a rebid of 3NT if he received any encouragement.

3♣ by East denies as much as Qxx in diamonds and so West signs off in the diamond part-score.

Opening 1NT, direct game-raise

A direct leap to 3NT on this West hand will be popular, particularly in a teams context.

Opening 1NT, non-promissory Stayman, limit raise

A good strategy for West is to suppress the minor suit and make an invitational raise based on his six-card suit and ten points.  His Stayman sequence promises an invitational holding whilst saying nothing about his major suit holdings.  Alternatively many partnerships will be able to make a simple direct invitational raise to 2NT.

In either case, East will pass with his minimum hand.

Opening 1NT, Landy, Asptro, Cappelletti

Some West’s might count their ten points and pass.

If so North should compete with whatever convention he has to show his two-suited holding.  South will make the step response of 2♦ and North will show his five-card heart suit.

West now has a further opportunity to show his diamonds, which he should take.

What happens?

If left to play in a no trump contract EW will usually make eight tricks losing three spades, one diamond and one heart.

A diamond contract is also likely to make eight tricks.

Meanwhile NS can make eight or nine tricks in a major.

On the day, a raise to 2NT by West is easily the most effective bid, although this does not mean that a shot at 3NT is wrong in a teams context.

Pass by West is easily the least effective choice, leading either to a loss or a good competitive offering from NS.

The non-Promissory Stayman route by West invites competition from North - whether or not North should enter the fray following a direct raise to 2NT is more problematical.

Post-beginner to intermediate

Intermediate and above

Beginner and above

Intermediate and above