What are the rules for transfers in bridge?

“Transfers” otherwise known as Jacoby Transfers, is a Bridge convention when you (as responder after your partner's No Trump opening bid) request that opener bids the suit ranked the next suit higher than the suit just bid by you.

How many points do I need for transfer in bridge?

Whenever you hold five or more cards in a major suit, you can use transfers. How many points you have does not matter, as you will see, you can make a transfer bid on 0 points or on 19 points – hence the flexibility of the method.

When can you do a transfer in bridge?

Jacoby Transfers are used after a player has opened or overcalled a natural 1NT and his partner holds at least one 5-card major suit. Responder naturally wants his side to play in his long suit, but with a weak hand, he would prefer his partner to play the contract.

How many points do you need for a Jacoby transfer in bridge?

After opener accepts the Jacoby transfer, you should proceed as follows: Minimum Hands (0-8 Points). Simply pass the transfer: 1NT — 2 — 2 — Pass: 0-8 Points and at least 5 hearts.

What is the transfer convention in bridge?

The Jacoby transfer, or simply transfers, in the card game contract bridge, is a convention in most bridge bidding systems initiated by responder following partner's notrump opening bid that forces opener to rebid in the suit ranked just above that bid by responder.

Jacoby Transfers

Do transfers apply after a 1NT overcall?

Transfers are used opposite a 1NT overcall in exactly the same way, but adjusted for points (all bids can be made with 3 points less – assuming the overcall is 15 – 17).

What is the difference between Stayman and Jacoby transfer?

If you have a 5-card major, you will use Jacoby Transfer. The bidding for Jacoby transfer is detailed on Page 2. With a balanced hand and no 4- or 5-card major, bid 2NT. With a 4-card major, but no 5-card major, you will use Stayman.

What does 2 clubs mean in Stayman?

Using Stayman means that you cannot play in a contract of Two Clubs once partner opens One No Trump but this loss is regarded as worthwhile because it might allow you to find a better contract in a major suit.

When should you not use a Stayman?

RULE: Do not use Stayman when you have a 4-3-3-3 hand. We are programmed to always want to play a hand in a major when we have an 8 card fit. We can draw trump and still have one trump left in declarer's hand and one in dummy.

Can you transfer to a minor in bridge?

Just because you can transfer to a minor, doesn't mean you should transfer to the minor. Why is this different from the handling of a five-plus card major? Because minors pay only 20 points a trick. To bid game in a minor, you need to be on the five level!

How many points do you need to bid Stayman in bridge?

Typically Stayman is used on hands of 11+ points when responder has a four card major and game might be possible if there is a major suit fit. must be prepared for any reply from partner. The following hands are suitable for bidding Stayman after 1NT.

Can you use Stayman after a double?

It is perfectly acceptable to swap all these around. You just have to agree with your partner so you can extract good penalties every now and then. Similar agreements apply over a Stayman response after your intervening double.

Can you bid Stayman after a 1NT overcall?

If 1NT is overcalled, responder can cue-bid the opponent's suit to ask for a 4-card major. If the opponents have overcalled in one major, a cue-bid asks partner for the other major. Opener can rebid 3 , if that bid is available, to deny a 4-card major; otherwise, he rebids 3NT.

When should you lead an ace in bridge?

“NEVER underlead an ace against a suit contract” is one of the more reliable rules of thumb at the bridge table. Nevertheless, there are occasional exceptions. These usually occur when dummy seems likely to be strong in the suit, perhaps because of a one no‐trump opening bid.

How do I respond to 1NT bid?

In response to a 1NT opening bid, responder with a 5 card or longer major suit, bids the suit ranking immediately below the one he holds. Opener is obliged to bid the next suit up which is responder's actual suit.

How do you respond to 1NT overcall?

What is a takeout double in bridge?

In the card game contract bridge, a takeout double is a low-level conventional call of "Double" over an opponent's bid as a request for partner to bid his best of the unbid suits.

What do you bid with 22 points in bridge?

If you have a balanced hand with 15 to 17 high-card points, it's a good idea to announce a no-trump bid, which means you will take a hand without placing an Ace. If you have 22 points or more, you can make a 2-suit bid. Whenever you do open your bid, choose a card from your high-card suit.

How many points do you need to overcall 1NT?

To bid 1NT as an overcall, you should have 15-18 (or 19) points, balanced with a stopper in the suit opened.

Is Stayman off after interference?

Normal systems like transfers and Stayman are off. A double is for penalties. Because your partner has made a bid that narrowly defines his hand, a double should show a hand with a good holding in the opponent's suit, normally 4 trumps and 9+ points. (Should be alerted!)

What does a 2NT overcall mean?

A 2NT overcall is artificial, showing the two lowest unbid suits (at least 5-5 shape). There is no point minimum, although obvious factors like vulnerability should be considered. See also the Michaels cuebid, a complementary convention for showing 5-5 hands, and Unusual vs. Unusual, a defense to the Unusual 2NT.

How many points do you need to overcall at the 2 level in bridge?

10 points and a good suit is enough to overcall at the two level. This hand is almost the same as example 7. Do you have enough to overcall 2♦? You have the same 10 points, but you no longer have a good five card suit to bid.

When should you not open 1NT?

Opening bid: 1♣ – 16 HCP, 2 doubletons make it unbalanced, so should not open 1NT; no 5-card major, must open in a minor; clubs are longer than diamonds. Note: Some players might open 1NT with this hand.

How many points do you need to open 3 in bridge?

An opening Three-Bid, called a preempt, shows a weak hand can take five or more tricks if your suit is trumps, but is unlikely to take any tricks in any other suits. To open (or overcall) a Three-Bid, you should have: A good, long suit (6 or 7 cards, with at least two honors). No ace or king in any other suit.