CHAPTER 3- 1NT CONVENTIONS

Texas Transfers

Playing Texas Transfers, jump responses of 4D and 4H to a 1NT or 2NT opening, are respective transfers to 4H and 4S. Texas transfers are used when responder wants to be in game but has no interest in slam. For example, bid 4D with

K 5
A T 9 8 5 4 3
5 2
5 2

in response to a 15-17 1NT. Partner must bid 4H, which you pass. The idea behind this convention is similar to that behind Jacoby Transfers- it is better for partner to be declarer rather than dummy since his high cards won't be exposed to the defenders. Using both transfer conventions, some players use Jacoby as a slam invite and Texas as a signoff.

1NT : 2H!
2S : 4S

would suggest slam interest, while

1NT : 4H!
4S is a signoff.

How do Texas transfers work in competition? In Modern Bridge Conventions, Bill Root and Richard Pavlicek recommend playing them through 3C, i.e.

1NT (3C) 4D!
is a transfer, while
1NT (3D) 4H is natural.

A simpler (though perhaps less effective) method of playing Texas Transfers would be to have them off completely in any competition, a la Jacoby Transfers.

Minor-Suit Stayman

Minor Suit Stayman is just what its name implies: a device that allows a partnership to look for a minor-suit fit after an opening bid of 1NT or 2NT. Presupposing the use of Jacoby Transfers, the 2S response to 1NT is no longer needed and can be used to ask opener to bid a four- card minor suit. Assuming the partnership is playing a strong no- trump, the 2S bid shows 9+ points and usually promises at least 4-5 or 5-4 in the minors.

Opener's responses to 2S are:

2NT: A minimum hand with no four-card minor
3C : A minimum hand with a four-card club suit
3D : A minimum hand with a four-card diamonds suit
3H : Showing or asking for a heart stopper, depending on agreement Opener may have a four-card minor but is looking for 3NT
3S : Showing or asking for a spade stopper, depending on agreement Opener may have a four-card minor but is looking for 3NT
3NT: A maximum hand with no four-card minor
4C : A maximum hand with a four-card club suit
4D : A maximum hand with a four-card diamond suit

Responder's rebids are:

Pass : Minimum hand
3C : At least a five-card suit; non-forcing
3D : At least a five-card suit; non-forcing over 2NT but forcing over 3C
3H/3S: Respective splinters
3NT : Signoff
4C : Invitational if partner bid 3C; strong and forcing otherwise
4D : Invitational if partner bid 3D; strong and forcing otherwise

Opener
K 9 6
Q 3
Q T 8 7
A K J
Bidding
1NT : 2S!

3D : 3S!

4C : 4D
4S : 4NT
5D : 6D

Responder
3
A 2
A K 5 3 2
Q 9 7 6 2

Minor-suit Stayman is off in competition.

Lebensohl

Used when the opponents have overcalled 1NT. A 2NT bid by responder is a relay to 3C. Most of the time responder usually has a weak, one-suited hand. The 1NT bidder must relay to 3C, which responder can then pass with clubs or correct. As a result, a direct new suit bid by responder at the THREE level is forcing.

1NT (2C) 2NT! 2NT is a relay to 3C.
1NT (2C) 2H 2H is weak and natural.
1NT (2S) 3H Responder has made a bid at the 3-level. This is natural and forcing.

Responders Rebids after the 3C Relay

Pass : Weak hand with at least five clubs
New suit BELOW the overcaller's suit : Weak, natural. For instance:
1NT (2H) 2NT!
3C! 3D

3D is a signoff bid showing at least five diamonds

New suit ABOVE the overcaller's suit : Invitational, natural. For instance:

1NT (2H) 2NT!
3C! 3S

Since responder could have just bid 2S to show a weak hand, he is now inviting game in spades.

Cuebid of the enemy suit : Stayman, promising a stopper in the enemy suit. A direct cuebid would DENY a stopper.

1NT (2H) 3H
3H is Stayman, denying a heart guard.

1NT (2H) 2NT!
3C 3H
3H is Stayman, promising a heart guard.

3NT : Natural, promises a stopper in the enemy suit. A direct 3NT bid would DENY a stopper in the enemy suit.

1NT (2S) 2NT!
3C! 3NT
3NT shows a spade stopper.

1NT (2S) 3NT
3NT denies a spade stopper.

CHAPTER 1..................................THE 2/1 STRUCTURE
CHAPTER 2..................................MAJOR-SUIT CONVENTIONS
CHAPTER 4..................................DOUBLES
CHAPTER 5..................................MISCELLANEOUS
CONTENT..................................CONTENT OF OKBRIDGE 1/2 SYSTEM