Extra_Length_Transfer_Bids1.pdf

CONTENTS

BIDDING LIKE MUSIC ........................................................ 5 1. MODERN BIDDING............................................................... 6 1.1. OBJECTIVES OF THE MODERN BIDDING .................... ....................6 6 1.2 RULES OF SHOWING SHORT SUITS..............................9 1.3.  BLACKWOOD USED  BLACKWOOD USED IN “BIDDING LIKE MUSIC”.......12 2. TWO OVER ONE  –  – Classical Classical Version Version ............ .................. ........... ........... ............ ...... 14 3. TWO OVER ONE – Polish Version........................................ 19 4. TWO OVER ONE  –  – Transfer Transfer Version ........... ................. ........... ........... ............ ........ .. 25 4.1. BIDDING AFTER 1 ♠ OPENING......................... OPENING.......................................26 ..............26 4.1.1. AFTER 2♣ RESPONSE RESPONSE......... .................. .................. .................. .................. .............. .....26 26 4.1.2. AFTER 2♦ RESPONSE RESPONSE .................. ........................... .................. .................. .............. .....51 51 4.1.3. AFTER 2♥ RESPONSE RESPONSE .................. ........................... .................. .................. .............. .....55 55 4.2. BIDDING AFTER 1 ♥ OPENING ............................... ...................................... .......58 58 4.2.1. AFTER 2♣ RESPONSE RESPONSE......... .................. .................. .................. .................. .............. .....58 58 4.2.2. AFTER 2♦ RESPONSE RESPONSE .................. ........................... .................. .................. .............. .....66 66 4.3. BIDDING AFTER 1 ♦ (♣) OPENING OPENING ......... ............. ......... .......... .......... .........71 ....71 4.3.1. 1♦ OPENING OPENING .................. ........................... .................. .................. .................. .................. ............ ... 71 4.3.2. 1♣ OPENING OPENING......... ................. ................. .................. .................. .................. .................. ............. ....75 75

5. TRAINING MATERIALS..................................................... 77 5.1. INDIVIDUAL QUIZ .............................. ............................................... ............................ ...........77 77 5.2. SOLUTIONS TO QUIZZES – suggested bidding..............83

BIDDING LIKE MUSIC Accurate and imaginative  imaginative  serious bidding   requires a considerable amount of effort and for some players, I realise, this will be a deterrent. Professional players, beyond reach for the general public, look down at outsiders with some kind of embarrassment. Truly outstanding players are quite willing to discuss their bidding conventions but there are not many chances for you to do that. Yet, every determined bridge player should consistently try to satisfy his needs. If he perceives music in the course of bidding with his partner, he will derive satisfaction and pleasure from it. He will become part of a circle of lovers of bidding beauty. The term  serious bidding   can be misleading because amateurs may associate it with something rigid and gloomy, while it should merely indicate a serious approach to the problem of bidding accurately. Bidding is a difficult art, based on skills acquired with the help of talent. The lack of interest in  serious bidding  may   may be because players do not realise how appealing it can be. It is my intention to set a fashion and, consequently, to popularise more intellectual bidding. Do not think it will  be an easy ride. I shall not be cutting any corners or taking short cuts. Try to discover the beauty and logic of bidding in an intelligent way, page by  page. I shall be very happy if you succeed! succeed!  Krzysztof Martens

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

1. MODERN BIDDING 1.1.

OBJECTIVES OF THE MODERN BIDDING

 Modern bidding  has  has these four main objectives: 1. To reach game contracts in a way that gives away least information to the defenders (to make the opening lead more difficult). 2.  To play a no-trump contract the right way round, with the stronger hand as declarer. 3. To provide maximum slam bidding comfort by developing economic mechanisms of suit agreement and showing side-suit shortages. 4. To stop in a part score, where appropriate.

These four basic objectives, sometimes in conflict with each other, have to be reconciled while trying to hit the happy medium. You should be aware that even in two over one bidding one bidding a part score is sometimes the best  possible solution. Let’s look at some bidding sequences that illustrate how you can use waiting mechanisms as part of an intellectual communication with your  partner. Your partner opens 1 ♠. How would you respond on the following hands? 1) ♠ 6 5 ♥ A K 7 3 ♦ K Q9 8 ♣ J 7 6

2) ♠ A 7 5 ♥ K Q 8 6 ♦ A J 10 6 ♣ J 4

3)

87 ♥ A J 6 ♦ A QJ 9 ♣ 10 9 6 3 ♠

Opposite a 1♠ opening a 2♥ response promises at least five-card suit, in almost all bidding systems. Many players reckon that for a 2 ♦ response it is enough to hold a good four-card suit. West European and American  bridge players, in particular, will respond 2 ♦ on each of the above hands. This is in contradiction to a basic bidding requirement:  Do not divulge unnecessary information to the defenders, bid in such a way as to reach a proper game contract with the least exchange of information.

1. MODERN BIDDING

7

Let’s put the first of these responding hands opposite a typical 1 ♠ opener. Example 1

AJ742 ♥ K 2 ♦ K Q 6 ♣ 7 4 3

N

♠

W

E S

10 8@#tbl 8@#tbl ♥ A Q 7 3 ♦ A J 10 9 ♣ J 10 9 ♠

Classical bidding: 1♠ — 2 ♦ 2 ♠ — 3♥ ? I shall give half of my kingdom to any West player who would think of the winning 3NT bid now. 4 ♦ is the correct bid but it leads nowhere. This is the recommended Modern bidding: 1 ♠ — 2♣  (waiting) 2 ♠ — 2NT (waiting) 3NT — pass The waiting 2♣  response still allows you to find a diamond fit (if the opener rebids in diamonds). It also follows the rule of camouflage. The declarer did not divulge his distribution dist ribution or location of the honours. A decade or two ago, there was a fashion for artificial, relay systems. A one-way course of bidding was strongly advocated. After partner had opened the bidding, the responder took control of the auction. A series of relay bids asked questions about the opener’s strength and distribution. The responder then made the final decision about the contract, based on the information that he had gathered. The captain of a ship sets the course and gives the necessary orders. A crew member does not ask questions about where the ship is heading, he merely follows orders. If a bridge player at the helm does not know how to use the compass, sextant and other navigational tools, the partnership is doomed to fail pretty soon. The captain is the master of the deal and everything follows his wishes. The precision of such relay bidding is nonetheless superficial. It does not take into consideration many vital elements of card evaluation, such as the location of honours and the

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

quality of the trump suit. That’s because there is no opportunity for an intellectual conversation between the partners. The one-way approach, favoured by relay bidding, can work well on occasional deals and should not be disregarded or rejected. Natural  bidding, however, has many advantages. Both players can show their intentions with the calls they make and they can indicate whether or not they would be happy to play a no-trump contract. Since they are not tied to a table of relay responses, they have a free hand in deciding whether to give accurate information on their hand or to avoid giving away such information. And finally, the most important thing is a considerable resilience to intervention by the opponents. st

In the 21  century, bidding systems look for a symbiosis between relay  bidding and a two-way exchange of information. Specific consideration is given to camouflage, wherever this is possible without obstructing the quality of the final contract. When partner has opened with a one-bid, you can bid 2 ♣ as responder to initiate a one-way auction. With this bid, the responder informs his  partner, in a somewhat arrogant way, that he is taking control of the auction. He will say nothing about his own hand, leaving the opponents completely in the dark, and will wait for the development of the situation  before deciding on the final contract. Following a fundamental assumption of modern bidding, the waiting bid should be situated economically. After a 1♠ opening followed by a 2 ♦ or 2 ♥ response, a two-way flow of information will continue. It is a sensible path only when the responder has an important message to convey. For example, showing a fairly solid five-card suit is important. The opener will be able to take such information into consideration and bid accordingly. What types of hand can the responder have when he chooses the 2 ♣ waiting response? ● 

9-11 HCPs, 6+ clubs. According to the Polish system, repeating clubs on the second round is not forcing; ● 12+ HCPs, 5+ clubs; including a possible spade spade fit. ● 12+ HCPs – all balanced hands, including

1. MODERN BIDDING

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You should bid slowly with strong hands. Respect bidding space  because you may need it. As you see, the waiting 2♣ response promises at least two cards in clubs. Before we look at a large number of sample auctions, I would like  briefly to present some slam zone conventions that I am going to use. I am aware that the Polish treatment of some of these bids is not standard elsewhere.

1.2

RULES OF SHOWING SHORT SUITS

In a situation when a shortage has been shown, a repeat bid in the short suit indicates a void there. It is a priority to show the void even at the  price of omitting other cue bids. Example:

1♠ 2♥ 3♣ 4♦ 4NT

— — — — —

2♣; 2NT – waiting; 4♣ – invitational, to play slam in clubs; 4♥ ?

Since 4♦ (repeating the shortage already bid) indicated a void diamond, the subsequent 4NT was Exclusion was  Exclusion Blackwood , asking about just four key cards – three aces (excluding the diamond ace) and the club king. To avoid any memory problems, it is important to have clear rules that define how the various slam sequences, including those showing shortage, should be interpreted.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

 A) 5-4 shape has been shown. 1♠ — 2 ♦ 2 ♠ — 2NT – waiting, I need more information; 3♣ — 3 ♠ – how about a slam in spades? The opener continues on these lines: 3NT – no shortage, partner, meaning the shape is 5-2-2-4, but we can talk; 4♣ – two shortages 6-1-1-5 (7-1-1-4); 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds; 4 ♥ – shortage in hearts; 4 ♠ – an absolute minimum. As you see, the situation is simple – we bid both short suits in a natural way. Repeating one of the suits shows two shortages and a notrump bid indicates a minimum hand without a shortage.

 B) 5-5 shape has been shown Classical version 5 spades – 5 diamonds; 1 ♠ — 2♣ 3 ♦ — 3 ♠ – how about slam in spades? The opener continues: 3NT – singleton heart; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – two shortages; 4 ♥ – void in hearts. The first two levels, 3NT and 4♣, allow us to show shortage in a natural way; 3NT shows heart shortage which is precisely a singleton, because we use the next free call – 4♥ – to indicate a void. Repeating one of the suits (4♦) identifies two shortages.

1. MODERN BIDDING

11

C) 6-4 shape has been shown 1 ♥ — 1♠; 2♣ — 2 ♦ – waiting; * 3♦ — 3 ♥ – how about slam in hearts? The opener continues: 3 ♠ shortage in spades; 3NT singleton diamond; 4♣ two shortages; 4 ♦ void in diamonds. The first two levels allow us to show shortage in a natural way. 3NT identifies a singleton in diamonds and we use the next free call – 4 ♦ – to indicate a void in diamonds.

 D) One suited hand disclosed disclosed Transfer version 3 ♦= +6 hearts 1 ♥ — 2♣; 2 ♥ — 2NT – waiting; 3 ♦ — 3 ♥ – how about slam in hearts? The opener now bids: 3 ♠ – shortage in spades; 3NT – no shortage; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds. As you see, we bid all shortages in a natural way and a notrump bid means that no shortage is held. Easy to remember!

*

Transfer version 3 ♦  = 6 hearts – 4 clubs, good hand (The whole idea of transfers is described step by step later in the book)

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1.3.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

 BLACKWOOD  BLACKWOOD 

USED

IN

“BIDDING

LIKE

MUSIC”  Blackwood In a situation when a suit is agreed, we use  Blackwood   to ask for the five key cards: four aces + trump king. This is the method we will use in all the examples later in the book. I am accustomed to the well-known  Roman Key-card Blackwood  responses: 4NT — 5♣ – means zero or three key cards; 5 ♦ – one or four key cards; 5 ♥ – two or five key cards without the trump queen; 5 ♠ – two or five key cards + trump queen. I am a supporter of the following economical way of showing the number of kings as well: 5NT – two or five key key cards + trump trump queen + one king; 6♣ – two or five key cards + trump queen + two kings. When you play this method, the 5♠  response implies two or five key cards + the trump queen and no king. Such a convention is also useful when the club suit is agreed. In the classical version of Roman of  Roman Key-card  a  a 5♠  response shows 2 key cards + the trump queen, not mentioning the number of kings. 5NT – asking for kings. In a situation when a 6 ♦ response (one king) might drive us to a risky grand, we have to make a guess. The Economical version solves this problem. Another advantage of these responses is this: After 4NT – 5 ♠, showing two or five values + trump queen and no king, 5NT becomes available as an inquiry for queens (not counting the trump queen). Theoreticians think, and quite rightly so, that it is in conflict with showing the void. To check such fundamental issue as void in a side suit there is bidding space, beginning with 1 ♣ and concluding with 4♠.

1. MODERN BIDDING

13

After a different response to  Blackwood   the next level asks for the trump queen. For example, after agreeing hearts in the first part of the auction: 4NT – 5♣; 5 ♦ – asks for the trump queen; 5 ♥ – sign-off in the agreed suit because the number of aces is inadequate; 5 ♠ – asks for the number of kings.  Note that after asking for asking for the trump queen we can use the economical version: 4NT — 5♣; 5 ♦ — 5 ♥ – no trump queen; 5 ♠ – trump queen, no king; 5NT – trump queen + one king and so on. Indeed, there are methods that allow you to find out which specific king  partner holds. The Polish system is happy just to show the number of kings. If for some reason you have bypassed 4NT, I strongly recommend that you adopt 5NT to take over the function of asking for key cards. I know that some great bridge champions claim they can do without this mundane convention. convention. Nonetheless I can recall many a high-ranking pair pair  bidding a grand slam with an ace missing. These disasters have always  been originated by a different interpretation of cue bids.

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2. TWO OVER ONE – Classical Version Let’s begin with a sequence that offers the widest choice of bidding  possibilities: 1♠ 2♦

— 2♣

Before we proceed to the details of the modern two over one bidding, one bidding, let’s recall a classical method, in which two over one is forcing for only one round — fourth suit forcing: 1. Fourth suit

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2♥

–  fourth suit 

The first waiting response (a waiting 2♣  has become standard in the modern bridge) is followed by the next one – 2 ♥ ( fourth  fourth suit). The East  player takes control of the hand, awaiting further, very precise information about the opener’s hand. 2. Preference between partner’s suits

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2♠

– preference preference for spades, 10-12HCPs.

Here are two typical East hands that would follow the sequence we have just seen: E1

Q6 ♥ 10 4 2 ♦ A 10 8 ♣ K Q 10 9 8 ♠

E2

♠ 7

52 ♥ K 6 5 ♦ A 4 3 ♣ K J 7 6

3. Invitational 2NT

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2NT – indicates a hand with 10-12 10-12 HCPs oriented to a no-trump contract.

These are typical East hands for the 2NT rebid:

2. TWO OVER ONE – Classical Version

E1

65 ♥ A Q 10 ♦ J 4 2 ♣ K J 10 6 3 ♠

E2

15

J4 ♥ K J 9 7 ♦ Q 10 8 ♣ A 10 4 2 ♠

4. Non-forcing rebid of the response suit

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♣

– shows 6+ clubs with 9-11 points.

Such a sequence would be appropriate on these East hands: E1

6 ♥ A 7 3 ♦ K 6 ♣ Q J 8 6 4 3 2 ♠

E2

A8 ♥ Q 4 ♦ A 10 8 ♣ K Q 10 7 6 4 ♠

5. Limit raise in Diamonds

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♦

– not forcing, indicates a hand with clubs and diamonds, 10-12HCPs

East would give a limit raise on these hands: E1

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

73 84 A Q7 2 AJ642

E2

9 ♥ 8 3 2 ♦ K J 10 9 ♣ A K 9 8 7 ♠

6. Unusual jump (splinter)

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 3♥ In modern bidding the following rule applies: an unusual jump bid indicates a short suit and guarantees a four-card fit. Such a scheme is called for to bid the following hands: E1

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

64 4 A J 10 4 AKJ754

E2

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A8 J Q J4 2 A J 10 6 5 3

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

7. Jump preference to the first suit

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♠

This is a classical example of a two-way exchange of information. What intentions guided the responder to give up the waiting bid of 2 ♥ ( fourth  fourth suit)  suit)  in favour of the jump raise? Note that one round of the  bidding has been lost. The reason is obvious; according ac cording to the principles of natural bidding, this jump bid shows a club hand with spade support and honours in these two suits. Such jump rebid is game forcing and opens the way to a potential slam. These are typical hands for such an action: E1

♠ A

J6 ♥ 6 4 ♦ J 4 2 ♣ A K Q 10 5

E2

♠ K

Q4 ♥ 10 8 5 ♦ 8 7 ♣ A K J 3 2

8. Jump to 3NT

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3NT

Breaking the exchange of information means that the responder, irrespective of the opener’s hand shape (5-5 or 6-4) considers a no-trump contract the best one to play. Examples of East hands: E1

6 ♥ K Q 10 5 ♦ Q8 3 ♣ K Q J 10 4 ♠

E2

5 ♥ K J 10 8 ♦ 10 6 5 ♣ A K Q 7 5 ♠

9. Strong bidding with a powerful suit

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 4♣

This is a very strong bid with, in principle, a solid suit. Cue bids by the opener are obligatory in this situation and do not promise anything st nd  beyond a 1  or 2  round control.

2. TWO OVER ONE – Classical Version

17

Those bridge players unfamiliar with the system should note that in a two over one system one system strong  strong jump shift responses, such as 1♠ – 3♣ / 3♦ / 3♥ are not used. Examples of East hands: E1

6 ♥ 7 5 ♦ A K J ♣ A K Q 10 8 6 4 ♠

E2

Q ♥ A K 4 ♦ 9 8 ♣ A K Q J 73 2 ♠

10. Slam try with diamonds agreed

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 4♦

An example of a strong hand with clubs and diamonds and honours concentrated in these two suits. We invite a partner to take control. Since East has bypassed a 3NT contract, he must have a hand powerful enough for a diamond game at least. The sequence would be appropriate on the following hands: E1

75 ♥ 4 3 ♦ A K 10 5 ♣ A K Q 3 2 ♠

E2

10 ♥ 5 2 ♦ A QJ 4 ♣ A K Q 10 7 5 ♠

11. Jump to game in partner’s major suit

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 4♠

This bid should not be used too often. It incorporates two minus features; it divulges too much information about the opening hand’s shape and prevents a comprehensive exchange of information. It is normally used in a situation where we are discouraged by the opener’s  bid of a diamond suit. We would bid in such a way with the following hands:

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

E1

♠ K

Q6 ♥ K 4 3 ♦ 7 52 ♣ K Q 6 5

E2

♠ Q

J4 ♥ A 6 5 ♦ 8 4 3 ♣ K Q J 7

12. Is 4NT Blackwood ?

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 4NT

This 4NT bid agrees diamonds and asks for aces (for five key cards). It does not make much sense for such a bid to be invitational. With a strong no-trump shape East would take control and use the waiting 2NT mechanism. Below follow examples justifying the use of Blackwood  of Blackwood : E1

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

K3 7 K QJ 3 AK8642

E2

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

K5 10 A J 10 6 AKQ853

3. TWO OVER ONE – Polish Version

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3. TWO OVER ONE – Polish Version So much for the standard two over one systems. Let’s look now at the Polish version. After many years of practice, the majority of Polish pairs have agreed that two over one  one  should be game forcing except when responder repeats his suit: 1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 3♣

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♥ — 3♣

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♠ — 3♣

1 ♠ — 2 ♦ 2 ♥ — 3 ♦

1 ♠ — 2 ♦ 2 ♠ — 3 ♦

1 ♠ — 2 ♥ 2 ♠ — 3 ♥

Repeating the responder’s suit is not forcing and means 9-11 points and at least a 6-card suit. This is the way to bid with the following cards: E1

E2

8 ♥ A 8 5 ♦ Q J 10 8 7 6 ♣ K 10 7 ♠

♠ 10

4 ♥ A 10 ♦ 9 8 5 ♣ K Q J 8 6 4

This rule does not apply when the opener has indicated extra values, for instance: 1 ♠ — 2♣ 2NT — 3♣

1♠ 3♣

— 2♦ — 3♦

1♠ 3♦

— 2♥ — 3♥

Below follow some sequences discussed in the previous chapter: 1)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2♥

Contrary to appearances, the responder does actually give some information by using the fourth suit waiting bid: A) I do not have fit in spades, since it would then be more convenient to agree spades with a forcing bid of 2 ♠ or 3♠. B) I do not want to play a no-trump contract from my hand. Otherwise I would use a forcing 2NT, which is also waiting but shows the intention to  play a no-trump contract from my my hand.

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2)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2♠

Game forcing bid indicating a good fit for spades and slam aspirations (15+HCPs). This the way we bid the following hands: E1

♠ K

Q6 ♥ A 8 6 4 ♦ K 10 ♣ Q J 4 2

E2

♠ A

K43 ♥ 10 2 ♦ A J 7 ♣ K 10 8 7

3)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2NT (waiting)

‘Partner, I need more information and I want to play any no-trump contract from my hand.’ So, the waiting 2NT does describe responder’s hand. Model hands: E1

75 ♥ K J 9 ♦ K J4 3 ♣ A K 5 4 ♠

E2

♠ 10

4 ♥ A Q 5 ♦ A10 5 ♣ A J 10 6 4

4)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♣

– nothing changes, denotes a non-forcing bid

5)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♦

A model hand with clubs and diamonds and values concentrated in the two suits. Unquestionably forcing. We would use this bidding sequence on the following hands:

3. TWO OVER ONE – Polish Version

E1

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

32 54 A K 10 9 AK973

E2

21

98 ♥ J 6 ♦ K Q 10 6 ♣ A K J 10 9 ♠

6)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♥

– splinter 

7)

1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♠

I recommend that this bid be reserved to force with a fit and no slam aspiration. Responder has an average hand and does not want to divulge his shape, following the rule of camouflage. I shall not list any more  bidding sequences because their meaning is similar to those in the classical two over one bidding. one bidding.

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Bidding quiz

What will you bid, using the system in which two over one is one is forcing: A. for one round only? B. to game with the proviso of suit repeating call? 1♠ 2♦ 1)

3)

— 2♣ — ? 32 ♥ K J 10 6 ♦ J 5 ♣ A Q 10 6 4

2)

K5 ♥ 8 6 5 ♦ 10 7 3 ♣ A K J 6 4

65 86 K 10 4 3 AKJ75

4)

75 ♥ 6 4 ♦ K 3 2 ♣ A K 10 7 6 5

♠

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

5)

7)

♠ K

Q4 ♥ 7 5 ♦ 10 9 7 ♣ A K Q 7 5 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

9)

65 AK K76 AQJ764

72 ♥ Q J 10 6 ♦ Q 7 ♣ A K Q 7 4 ♠

6)

♠

♠

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A5 32 A Q6 5 A J 10 8 3

8)

K54 ♥ 7 6 5 ♦ A 4 ♣ K Q 10 2

10)

K6 ♥ A K 3 ♦ Q 3 ♣ Q J 7 6 53

♠ A

♠

3. TWO OVER ONE – Polish Version

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Solutions to the bidding quiz

1) A. 2NT. B. 3NT – the moderate point-count is compensated by two tens. 2) A. 2♠ – a model hand showing our holding. B. A difficult borderline hand. It is better to upgrade the hand and force to game (fourth suit – 2♥) than to downgrade the hand and repeat the club suit. 3) A. Normal, non-forcing 3♦. B. Dilemma again. Unsuitable for a no-trump bid now and 3 ♦ is forcing. Perhaps 1NT would have been a better response than 2♣. 4) In both cases, bid a non-forcing 3♣. 5) A. Fourth suit – 2 ♥, or slam try – 3 ♠. B. 2♠  – economic forcing to game or 3 ♠  – if we favour the old-fashioned rule that such bid shows a concentration of values in spade and clubs. 6) A. No option – 2  ( fourth ♥  fourth suit). alternative, fourth suit  or  or 3♦ forcing. B. There is an alternative, fourth 7) In both cases the only possibility is a fourth a  fourth suit  2  2♥. 8) A. Fourth suit  2  2♥; the hand is too powerful for 3 ♠. B. Convenient 2♠. 9) 3NT in both cases 10) 2♥  in both cases  cases  (fourth suit) – we need more information. The hand is too powerful for a closing 3NT bid.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

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4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version Some thirty years ago, whilst playing a tournament in Kraków, I witnessed a heated discussion between my opponents. It concerned the  bidding on a quite simple deal: AKJ65 ♥ A 8 ♦ K 6 5 ♣ J 8 7

♠ Q

N

♠

W

E S

9 4 3@#tbl 3@#tbl ♥ K 7 6 2 ♦ A 2 ♣ Q 9 4

1♠ — 3♠  pass After a club lead West collected eleven easy tricks. East, a pleasant elderly gentleman, asked: Why didn’t you accept my invitation with such nice hand? West snarled back: Don’t back: Don’t bid 3♠ , just bid the game. It irritates me when  you make bidding so complicated. complicated. The idea of showing extra length via a transfer bid is certainly not for the players who disapprove of complicated bidding. It may conflict with old habits but it provides a lot of comfort in the slam zone.

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4.1.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

BIDDING AFTER 1♠ OPENING

4.1.1. AFTER 2♣ RESPONSE Let’s look at the continuations by the opener after this start to the auction: W

E

1♠ ?

2♣

2♦ 2♥ 2♠

– 4+ diamonds; – 4+ hearts; – I have no other bidding option; weak hand or not keen on on  playing in no-trumps; no-trumps; 2NT – I want to play in no-trumps, extra values; 3♣ – 4+ clubs, some extra values; 3 ♦ – transfer bid, 5-5 distribution distribution with spades and hearts, extra values; 3 ♥ – transfer bid, 6+ spades, extra values; 3 ♠ – 6-5, 6-5, spades and diamonds, transfer of sorts; 3NT – poor hand with plenty of of low honours, approximately approximately 14 HCPs. As we have already seen, transferring to hearts and spades allows a comfortable entry to the slam zone. We lose a useful 3 ♦ bid as a strong hand with 5 spades and 5 diamonds. The 3 ♠ jump, showing a good hand with 6 spades and 5 diamonds, only slightly pulls its weight to compensate. Further considerations concerning the sequence 1 ♠ – 2 ♣ –2♦  prove that the loss is not so important. Further bidding sequence

The development of the auction with more waiting sequences – 2 ♥ ( fourth  fourth suit) is suit) is interesting. Similar to 2NT, it allows transfer bids by the opener at the three-level, easing entry into the slam zone.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

27

SEQUENCE I 1♠ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥

The opener continues in this fashion: 2♠

– A. Typical waste basket. It means that the hand does not fit any of the options below; 2NT – B. A wish to play a no-trump contract from our own hand  because of a heart stopper. Possible shapes are 5-2-4-2 and 5-3-4-1; 3♣ – C. Transfer bid showing extra length in i n diamonds, 5-5 shape; 3 ♦ – D. Club fragment, 5-1-4-3 shape; 3 ♥ – E. Transfer bid showing extra length in spades, 6-4 shape; 3 ♠ – F. Heart fragment, 5-3-4-1 shape. Unwillingness to play a no-trump contract, extra values; 3NT – G. Typical balanced shape, no surplus in points. Here are some typical hands for each of the bids: A. 2♠ – waste basket

1) ♠ K Q 10 6 5 2 ♥ 8 7 ♦ A Q8 2 ♣ J

2) ♠ Q J7 65 ♥ 10 3 2 ♦ A KQ 5 ♣ 4

3) ♠ A J9 83 ♥ 10 8 ♦ A K3 2 ♣ 5 3

4) ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A Q 10 8 6 86 A K J 10 A2

1) The lack of extra strength suggests bidding modest 2 ♠  despite of holding a solid 6-card spade suit. 2) The lack of extra strength prevents us from showing the distribution. 3) We have nothing to add. 4) The auction is still under way; every other bid would be misleading for a partner. For the time being, partner has made two waiting bids. Now we are waiting for what he has to say.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

B. 2NT – waiting

1) ♠ K J7 54 ♥ A Q 6 ♦ K J 10 8 ♣ 5

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

2) AQJ75 AQ A J7 4 J8

3) ♠ J 65 42 ♥ A K J ♦ K QJ 6 ♣ 8

4) ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A 10 8 6 4 K5 K Q4 2 Q5

One thing is certain, with each of the above hands we want to be in a no-trump contract played from our hand. It is not our intention to prevent the exchange of information by jumping to 3NT. Our cards are too good for that. C. 3♣ – 5-5 distribution – transfer ♦

1) ♠ A K9 53 ♥ 3 ♦ A QJ 76 ♣ 6 5

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

2) A J 10 8 6 K5 Q J 10 8 2 6

3) ♠ K Q6 42 ♥ A 5 4 ♦ K J9 75 ♣ —

4) ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

K7532 AK Q6532 2

We show more positive values in diamonds. I would like to repeat once more that the power of this bid is not specified because with 5-5 shape (spades and diamonds) we have to rebid 2 ♦. A jump to 3 ♦  would be a transfer to hearts and a strong hand with 5-5 shape. D. 3♦ – club fragment

1) ♠ K 10 8 7 6 ♥ 5 ♦ K Q 10 8 ♣ Q J 5

2) ♠ A K8 62 ♥ — ♦ A K6 42 ♣ K 10 8

3) ♠ Q 75 32 ♠ A ♦ K Q6 2 ♣ J 10 5

4) AKQJ7 ♥ 3 ♦ A 43 2 ♣ 7 5 4 ♠

1) We do not have any extra strength but a fit in partner’s potential suit authorises us to bid at the level of three. 2) Extremely beautiful hand and a lot of dilemmas. It seems that such action may obstruct diamond agreement because we show extras in clubs  but hide the fifth diamond. We will wi ll have a chance to show it in course of the auction:

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

29

Sequence a)

1♠ 2♦ 3♦ 4♦

— 2♣ — 2♥ — 3NT

4♦

– this bid will accurately describe the 5-0-5-3 shape and show extra strength. Sequence (a) and then (b) require further discussion within the  partnership. Sequence b)

1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♣

— 2♣ — 2♥ — 3NT

Does the above auction show the hand we have mentioned – 5053 or extremely unbalanced two-suiter with a club shortage (void)? Example ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A K 10 9 6 4 N 65 W AKQ32 — S

E1 E

Q5 ♥ A K Q 8 ♦ J 6 5 ♣ J 10 7 5 ♠

E2

Q@#tbl ♥ 10 9 4 3 ♦ J 10 4 ♣ A K Q 9 8 ♠

Information about the void in case of E1 hand may be very useful indeed. Let’s look at the remaining two East hands: 3) Considering the very unfavourable location (single heart ace), hiding an extra club is an option. So, after 2 ♥  we shall bid 2♠  and pretend we have 5-2-4-2 shape. 4) Slightly distorted vision of our cards (their location) but for the moment there is nothing we can do about it. We have to show our shape. Later we shall try to stress the power of our spade suit.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

E. 3♥ – 6-4 shape

1) ♠ K Q J7 5 2 ♥ A 2 ♦ A J8 6 ♣ 5

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

2) A K 10 9 6 5 5 K Q7 2 K5

3) ♠ A K Q 10 8 6 ♥ 8 ♦ A KQ 8 ♣ Q 10

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

4) K Q 10 5 4 3 A A Q5 4 J9

Showing six spades, via a transfer bid, is a must. Without this scheme we would not be able to cope with the following hands: ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

KQJ873 4 A K Q 10 62

E1

N W

E S

A6 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♦ 8 4 3 ♣ A J 5 4 ♠

E2

A 10@#tbl 10@#tbl ♥ A 10 6 5 ♦ 9 8 2 ♣ K Q 5 4 ♠

With the E1 hand the slam is very poor; with E2 it is excellent. Following the classical bidding patterns, the auction in both cases will  be identical: 1♠ 2♦ 3♠ 4♦ (...)

— — — —

2♣ 2♥ 4♣ 4♥

The above example shows us again how important it is to indicate a shortage in the slam zone. Showing extra length via a transfer bid, a transfer to spades in this case, has provided us with fantastic bidding comfort. The transfer scheme will work as follows on the discussed hand: Sequence

1♠ 2♦ 3♥ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥ — 3♠

– ‘What do you think about a slam in spades, partner?’

The opener can now rebid on these lines: 3NT – singleton heart; 4♣ – shortage in clubs;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

4♦ 4♥

31

– two short short suits, 7-4 7-4 or 6-5 shape shape with poor diamond suit and solid spades; – void in hearts.

Looks better, doesn’t it? F. 3♠ – heart fragment

1) ♠ A 86 42 ♥ 9 5 3 ♦ A K6 5 ♣ A

2) ♠ K Q 10 5 3 ♥ 10 8 6 ♦ A KQ 8 ♣ 4

3) ♠ A KQ 43 ♥ 4 3 2 ♦ K QJ 9 ♣ 5

4) ♠ K QJ 86 ♥ 9 8 7 ♦ A QJ 4 ♣ K

Let me tell you again that 3♠  shows a heart fragment (without a stopper) and extras in strength. G. 3NT – willingness to play a no-trump contract

1) ♠ Q 76 42 ♥ A Q ♦ K J4 3 ♣ 8 7

2) ♠ K 65 43 ♥ K Q 10 ♦ Q J 10 8 ♣ J

3) ♠ A KQ 43 ♥ 4 3 2 ♦ J 10 3 2 ♣ K

4) ♠ K QJ 86 ♥ 9 8 7 ♦ Q 10 9 4 ♣ Q

 No aspiration, limited honour strength – flattish hand suitable for a no-trump contract.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Transfer bidding quiz

1♠ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥

What do you bid ? 1)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

3)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

5)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

7)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

9)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A K J 10 6 5 75 A K7 4 4

2)

A 10 7 4 3 K7 A J 10 4 Q5

4)

A J 10 7 6 5 10 A 97 6 K5

6)

K Q 10 7 5 ♥ 10 6 5 ♦ A KQ 3 ♣ J

AQ543 65 KQ742 Q

8)

A 10 9 7 5 ♥ 7 6 2 ♦ K Q 10 6 ♣ A

AK764 75 A KJ 3 Q5

10)

A7654 ♥ 10 8 ♦ A K 10 7 ♣ A K

K 10 9 4 2 ♥ 6 ♦ K 10 6 5 ♣ A Q 7 ♠

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

QJ532 AQ Q 10 7 4 J5

♠

♠

♠

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

33

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Solutions to the transfer bidding quiz

1) Of course 3♥. Transfer bid showing extra length in spades (6-4 shape) and extra strength. 2) 3♦. More shape – a club fragment. 3) 2NT. We can play a no-trump contract from our hand. However, slam is a distinct possibility that we can discuss. 4) 3NT. We are not interested in any premium score. 5) 2♠. Minimal strength and after a possible 2NT we are going to bid 3♥ showing extra length in spades. 6) 3 . Heart fragment, (5-3-4-1) shape, intention to make partner play ♠ a no-trump contract. Promises extra strength. With a minimum we would bid 2 ♠ instead. 7) 3♣. Transfer bid, showing extra length in diamonds, does not show the strength precisely. 8) 2♠. We do not have enough points to show the shape at once – see 6). However, after partner’s 2NT waiting bid, we may. 9) 2♠. No other option. We are very strong, but the auction is still in  progress. 10) 2♠. No other option for the moment.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

Further bidding after waiting 2♥ Sequence A

1♠ 2♦ 2♠

— 2♣ — 2♥ — ?

After 2♠ we may: 1) continue the one-way auction with another waiting 2NT bid, 2) apply the two-way bidding scheme, utilising other bids. 3♣ – 6+ clubs, forcing (12+HCPs); 3 ♦ – 4 diamonds, forcing (12+HCPs); 3NT – to play. Sequence A1

1♠ 2♦ 2♠ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥ — 2NT (waiting)

Try to choose the right bid on the following hands: 1)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

3)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

5)

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

AK754 32 K 75 4 KQ

2)

AQJ75 ♥ 10 7 ♦ A KJ 6 ♣ J 5

KQ7642 5 A K6 5 32

4)

QJ754 ♥ 10 6 5 ♦ A KJ 3 ♣ Q

KJ542 J5 K Q6 5 Q3

6)

AK753 ♥ J 10 ♦ A KJ 8 ♣ Q 5

♠

♠

♠

35

36

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Solutions

1) 3♣. We cannot hold three clubs so we are just showing concentrated honours with some extras in power. 5-2-4-2 shape. 2) 3♦. The 2♠  bid denied having five diamonds. Now, we are indicating location of honours in 5-2-4-2 shape and some extras in  power. 3) 3♥. Transfer to spades, showing 6-4 without any extras in points. 4) 3♠. A heart fragment, showing 5-3-4-1 distribution. Location of honours in spades and diamonds without any extra values in strength. 5) 3NT. 5-2-4-2 shape and nothing interesting to show. 6) 4NT. Two extra values in strength and 5-2-4-2 shape. Sequence B

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 2♥ 2NT — ? 3♣ 3♦ 3♥

– 6+ clubs, forcing (12+ HCPs); – 4 diamonds, forcing (12+ HCPs); – we do not have a convenient waiting bid. 3♥ is utterly natural and shows 6 clubs and 5 hearts. We have to use the two-way exchange of information scheme; 3NT – to play.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

37

Sequence C

1♠ 2♦ 3♣

— 2♣ — 2♥ — ? 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– diamond agreeing, slam-invitational bid; – asking for a stopper to play 3NT; – negative choice of a suit, showing some concern about a no-trump contract; 3NT –  to play. Sequence D

1♠ 2♦ 3♦

— 2♣ — 2♥ — ? 3♥ 3♠

– waiting bid, unhappy to bypass 3NT; – negative choice of a suit, showing some concern about a no-trump contract; 3NT – to play; 4♣ – club slam invitational bid; 4 ♦ – diamond slam invitational bid. Sequence E

1♠ 2♦ 3♥

— 2♣ — 2♥ — ? 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦

– – – –

spade slam invitational bid; to play; club slam invitational bid (after all); diamond slam invitational bid.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence F

1♠ 2♦ 3♠

— 2♣ — 2♥ — ? 3NT 4♣ 4♦ 4♠

– – – –

natural; cue-bid (club ace), with diamonds agreed; diamond slam invitational bid; to play.

What conclusions do we arrive at by analysing the sequence: 1♠ 2♦

— 2♣

That in almost every situation there are two options to choose: a) one-way course of information, in which the “captain of the ship” decides about the final contract. I recommend this choice in a situation of clear disproportion of strength in favour of the captain, also in the case when he is going to be declarer. It also happens that the bidding will follow such a course when one of the  players knows a lot about his partner’s hand whilst he himself has revealed nothing so far. In such a situation, we should have a waiting mechanism in our bidding system that allows us to take control over the auction.  b) two-way course of information, in which the final contract is a joint decision of both partners. This is the most common method because both hands have more or less the same power. The hand that is easy to describe should provide as much information as possible. A9765 ♥ A 5 4 ♦ A 97 5 ♣ 7 ♠

After showing the distribution,  Blackwood   will reveal everything we have.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

39

SEQUENCE II 1♠ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♠

2NT – A. 5-2-4-2 shape, hand with some extras; 3♣ – B. singleton or void club; 3 ♦ – C. shortages in two suits 6-1-5-1 (5-1-6-1) (5-1-6-1) if you open 1 ♠ with 5 in a major and 6 in a minor suit (this makes some sense if the opening bid is up to 15 HCPs); 3 ♥ – D. singleton or void heart; 3 ♠ – E. 5-2-4-2, minimal strength; 4 ♠ – F. extremely poor hand. Sequence A

Typical location of honours may be shown at the two-level by agreeing the spade suit, for instance 1 ♠ — 2♣ 2♦ — 2♠ 2NT — 4♣ Examples of East hands for such action are: E1

♠ K

Q2 ♥ 9 5 4 ♦ 10 9 ♣ A K Q 7 3

E2

♠ K

J98 ♥ J 6 ♦ 10 6 ♣ A K J 10 5

For those, who prefer to show length, rather than shortage, you can use this scheme: 1♠ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♠

3♦ 3♠

– (1) 5-5 distribution; – (2) 6-4 distribution.

More waiting bids: after 3♦ – 3♥, and after 3♠  – 3NT, you can use shortage-showing request bids. The responder is at the helm in such

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

sequences, since it is he who is trying to extract the information he needs and then to convey his intentions. Sequence (1)

1♠ 2♦ 3♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♠ — 3♥

– waiting

3♠

– shortages in two suits 6-1-5-1 (5-1-6-1) if you open 1 ♠ with 5 in a major and 6 in a minor suit (this makes some sense if the opening bid is up to 15 HCPs); 3NT – singleton heart; 4♣ – singleton or void club; 4 ♥ – void heart. Sequence (2)

1♠ 2♦ 3♠ ?

— 2♣ — 2♠ — 3NT – waiting

4♣ 4♦ 4♥

– singleton or void club; – shortages in two suits 7141 – singleton or void heart;

Let’s go for a moment to the 1999 European Championship, contested in Malta. This as a deal from the Switzerland – France match:

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

AK6532 ♥ J 5 3 ♦ A J8 4 ♣ —

N

♠

W

Q J 8#tbl 8#tbl ♥ A K Q 6 ♦ K ♣ 10 6 5 3 2 ♠

E S

 Nisland Fallenius 1♠ 2 ♠  3♦ 4♣ 4 ♠  6♣  pass

41

Mari

Multon

1♠ 2♦ 4♦ 5♣ 6 ♠ 

2♣ 3♠ 4♥ 5♦ pass

2♣ 2NT 3♠ 4♥ 4NT 6♠

Both bidding sequences contain a chaotic exchange of cue bids. This is my recommended bidding: 1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♣ 5♠ 6♣  pass

— — — — — —

2♣ 2♠ 3♥ 4♦ 5NT 7♠

3♣  – shortage. 4♣  – void. 5♠  – attractive hand, stress on length and quality of a spade suit. 5NT – Blackwood. –  Blackwood. 6  6♣ – three aces. Suppose the opener held this hand instead: ♠ A

K654

♥ 5

32

♦ A

QJ65

♣ —

He would then bid 5 ♦  (instead of 5 ♠), underlining the two-suited character of the hand. Below follows a different sequence, for those who favour the precise distributional-oriented auction, showing extra length instead of shortage. Let’s recall the two hands:

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

AK6532 ♥ J 5 3 ♦ A J8 4 ♣ — 1♠ 2♦ 3♠ 4♣ 5♣ 6♣  pass

— — — — — —

♠ Q

N

♠

W

E S

J8 ♥ A K Q 6 ♦ K ♣ 10 6 5 3 2

2♣ 2♠ 3NT 4♦ 5NT 7♠

3♠ – 6-4 distribution (using this scheme, 3 ♦ shows 5-5 shape). 3NT – waiting bid. Then we will show the void and the three aces. If the opener, after a spade-agreeing bid, considers his hand as dynamic, then he has the interesting alternative of a further bid: 1♠ 2♦ 4♣ 5♣  pass

— — — —

2♣ 2♠ 4NT 7♠

4♣  – such an enthusiastic jump raise certainly shows the void and an attractive hand. And this is enough to drive to slam fast.

After the fit-disclosing 2♠ waiting bid, we show short suits in a natural way. After the 2NT waiting bid, which for the moment does agree any suit, we respond by showing additional extras in our distribution, utilising the transfer scheme. I consider it a brilliant idea that in auctions showing (5-4)+ distribution: 1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2NT

1♠ 2♥

— 2♣ — 2NT

1♠ 2♥

— 2♦ — 2NT

the opener provides more distributional information by using transfer  bids.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

43

 RULE In order to enter the slam zone comfortably, we use extra-length transfer bids. You choose a different sequence on those hands where a slam is hardly a possibility. The space acquired in this way enables very  precise exchange of slam-related information. information.

Let’s see the possible continuations after this start to the auction:

SEQUENCE III 1♠ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– – – – –

A. transfer to diamonds, 5 spades and 5+diamonds shape; B. club fragment, 5-1-4-3 shape; C. transfer to spades, showing 6 spades and 4 diamonds; D. heart fragment bid showing 5-3-4-1; E. 5-2-4-2 shape.

Let’s ponder a bit longer over the following sequences. Sequence A

1♠ 2♦ 3♣

— 2♣ — 2NT —  ? 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

(5 spades and 5+ diamonds distribution)

– agrees diamonds; – does not agree any suit, extra strength, something like three and a half NT; – negative choice of a suit, showing concern about a no-trump contract.

44

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Example ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A98632 6 AKJ73 5

N W

K ♥ A 10 6 5 ♦ Q 10 8 6 ♣ A 10 9 7 ♠

E S

Classical auction 1♠ 2♦ 3♦

— 2♣ — 2NT — ?

We are not sure at all if we should go beyond 3NT. Transfer auction 1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 3♠ 5♣  pass

— — — — —

2♣ 2NT 3♦ 4NT 7♦

3♣  – transfer to diamonds, 5-5+. 3 ♦  – convenient suit agreeing. 3 ♠ – two shortages. 7♦ – information about the shape and three aces (out of five) is enough to bid a grand. If the opener had a less attractive hand, such as the one below: ♠ A

Q654

♥ Q

8

♦ K

9432

♣ J

he would have bid 3NT (over 3 ♦). Sequence B

1♠ 2♦ 3♦

— 2♣ — 2NT —  ? (very interesting shape – 5-1-4-3, a distinct possibility of a club or diamond slam) 3♥

– shows concern concern about about bypassing a possible 3NT contract, agrees clubs;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

3♠

4♣ 4♦

45

– difficult but necessary – shows concern for bypassing 3NT, agrees diamonds (!) because we could have agree spades earlier by bidding 2♠; – enthusiastic enthusiastic bid, agreeing clubs; – enthusiastic bid, agreeing diamonds.

Sequence C

1♠ 2♦ 3♥

— 2♣ — 2NT — ? (6 spades and 4+ diamonds distribution) 3♠ 4♦

– now agrees spades; – agrees diamonds.

Example

KQJ874 ♥ 7 ♦ A 87 2 ♣ K 6 5

N

♠

W

E S

A9 ♥ J 10 6 3 ♦ J 6 ♣ A Q J 5 3 ♠

Classical auction 1♠ 2♦ 3♠

— 2♣ — 2NT — 4 ♠  (?)

In the classical version of the auction, it is difficult to provoke a slam with the East hand. Transfer auction 1♠ 2♦ 3♥ 3NT 4♦ 4NT 6♠

— — — — — — —

2♣ 2NT 3♠ 4♣ 4♠ 5♥ pass

46

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

3♥  – transfer to spades. 3 ♠  – suit agreement. 3NT – singleton heart, 4♠ – I need a lot to play slam, 6 ♠ – partner, I’ve got a lot. Sequence D

1♠ 2♦ 3♠

— 2♣ — 2NT — ? (5-3-4-1 shape. Only the diamond slam is a possibility.) 4♣ 4♦

– ace-showing cue bid, with diamonds agreed; – agreeing diamonds, interest in a possible club void.

Attention! There is a void priority before other cue bids. Sequence E

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 2NT 3NT — ? (5-2-4-2 shape, the least attractive in terms of slam  possibility). We enter the slam zone by bidding: bidding: 4♣ 4♦

– what do you think about playing 6 clubs? – what do you think about playing 6 diamonds?

To reject such an invitation, the opener will now bid 4NT.

SEQUENCE IV 1♠ 2♥

— 2♣ — ? 2 ♠ – A. spade-agreeing slam bid (15+ HCPs); 2NT – B. waiting, I want to play a no-trump contract from my hand; 3♣ – C. 6+ clubs, non-forcing; 3 ♦ – D. fourth suit, I want you to play a no-trump contract; 3 ♥ – E. agreeing hearts, no slam aspirations, following the rule of camouflage; 3 ♠ – F. agreeing spades, no slam aspirations, following the rule of camouflage;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

47

The waiting 2NT bid may be made on strong hands with a fit in hearts. It practically precludes a spade fit (2♠ then). This is important when you enter the slam zone (cue bids will agree hearts). The fourth-suit 3 ♦ is a typical mechanism, which allows you to play a no-trump contract from the better hand. Sequence A

1♠ 2♥ ?

— 2♣ — 2♠

The sequence is similar to 1♠ — 2♣ — 2♦. Having a fit in spades, the waiting 2♣  enables us to take control over the auction in two different ways: 1)

1♠ 2♥

— 2♣ — 2♠

2)

1♠ 2♥

— 2♣ — 3♠

1) Following the rule of modern bidding, economic agreement of the opener’s first suit shows considerable interest in playing a slam. Such a sequence allows a careful and precise auction. 2) Typical example of blocking the flow of information. We freely lose one round of bidding. Once, such an auction would have indicated clearly the typical location of honours (in clubs and spades). Nowadays, I support the concept of obscuring the auction, which means that a jump to the level of three does not encourage bidding a slam. Sequence B

1♠ 2♥ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– club fragment, showing 5-4-1-3; – 5-5, transfer bid showing extra length in hearts; – 6-4, transfer bid showing extra length in spades; – diamond fragment, showing 5-4-3-1; – 5-4-2-2

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Showing a diamond fragment in the above sequence was placed high (3♠) because 5-4-3-1 shape allows you to agree hearts only. Transfers to hearts and spades are easily shown, then a 3 ♣ continuation shows the club fragment economically, this time in a natural way. Example

A 10 9 5 3 ♥ A Q 65 4 ♦ — ♣ Q 6 4

N

♠

W

E S

6 ♥ K J 8 7 ♦ Q 10 6 ♣ A K J 8 7 ♠

Classical auction 1♠ 2♥ 3♥ 4♦

— — — —

2♣ 2NT 4♣ ?

Lack of information about the nature of the diamond cue-bid creates certain problems (is it a shortage or an honour?). Transfer auction 1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♥ — 2NT 3 ♦ — 3♥ 4 ♦ — 4NT 5 ♠ — 6♣ 7 ♥ — pass 3♦  – 5-5. 4 ♦  – void in diamonds (3NT – would be a singleton in diamonds). 5♠ – two aces and the queen of trumps. 6 ♣ – I need support in clubs to play a grand slam.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

49

SEQUENCE V 1♠ 2♠ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦

– 5 spades and 4+ clubs, no extra values in HCPs; – 5(3-2)3 with three-card fit in clubs, positive values for a  potential discussion about a club slam. slam. Very useful information; 3 ♥ – extra spade length, 6+ spades; 3 ♠ – 6 spades and 4+ clubs; 3NT – not a very attractive hand. I remember theoretical achievements of the seventies’ in the same  bidding sequence: 1♠ 2♠ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– 5 spades and 4+ clubs; – shortage, model shape 6-3-1-3; – shortage, model shape 6-1-3-3; – 6 spades without a shortage or with a club shortage; – 5-3-3-2.

This method gives you a chance to bid a better game (3NT instead of 4♠) – if the shortage is opposite honour concentration. Disadvantages: - premature bid of a short suit when it was our plan to be in a spade game, - imprecise slam bidding in the context of a club contract. Transfer 3♥ in the new version (sequence V) will permit camouflage if we were planning to play a spade game.

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EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

SEQUENCE VI 1♠ 3♦

— 2♣ — ?

(transfer bid, 5-5 distribution with spades and hearts, extra values)

Sequence 1

1♠ 3♦ ?

— 2♣ — 3♥

(agrees the heart suit)

 Now the opener may continue continue with: 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦

– two short suits; – singleton diamond; – shortage in clubs; – void in diamonds.

Sequence 2

1♠ 3♦ ?

— 2♣ — 3♠

3NT 4♣ 4♦ 4♥

– singleton diamond; – shortage in clubs; – void in diamonds; – two short suits.

(spades agreed)

SEQUENCE VII 1♠ 3♥ ?

— 2♣ — 3♠

(spades agreed)

The opener now gives further definition with: 3NT – no shortage; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds; 4 ♥ – shortage in hearts.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

51

4.1.2. AFTER 2♦ RESPONSE W

E

1♠ ?

2♦

2♥ 2♠

– 4+ hearts; – no other bidding option, option, weak hand or reluctance to bid notrumps; 2NT – I am happy to play a no-trump no-trump contract, extra strength; 3♣ – 4+ 4+ clubs, some extras in strength; 3 ♦ – diamond-agreeing bid, some extras in strength; 3 ♥ – transfer, transfer, 6+spades, some extras in strength; 3 ♠ – 6+spades and a good good diamond fit, some some extras in strength (waiting 3NT will follow as the next bid); 3NT – about 14 HCPs, a flattish hand. Let’s look at the further auction. Sequence 1

1♠ 2♥ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– diamond fragment, 5-4-3-1 shape; – transfer, 5-5 shape with spades and hearts; – transfer, transfer, 6 spades and 4 hearts; – club fragment, 5-4-1-3 shape; – 5-4-2-2.

A club fragment in the above sequence is not too encouraging. That is the reason why it is placed on top.

52

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence 2

The advantage of the transfer scheme can be easily noticed with spades and hearts, let’s see: 1♠ 2♥ 3♣

— 2♦ — 2NT — ? 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– diamond slam? – heart slam? – doubts regarding the choice of the game (we could have bid spades earlier – 2 ♠).

Sequence 3

1♠ 2♥ 3♦

— 2♦ — 2NT — ? 3♥ 3♠

– heart slam? – negative choice of a suit, looking for the best possible game contract.

Sequence 4

1♠ 2♥ 3♦ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT — 3♥

3♦ – is a transfer bid, showing extra length in hearts (5-5+ shape). East economically agrees hearts and the opener concludes the description of his hand utilising the following familiar scheme: 3 ♠ – two shortages; 3NT – singleton in diamonds; 4♣ – club shortage; 4 ♦ – void in diamonds.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

53

Remember! When it is certain that you have a shortage, show it: - naturally, if possible, - our second suit shows two shortages, - the other bid shows the other shortage. Sequence 5

1♠ 2♥ 3♦

— 2♦ — 2NT — 4 ♦ – with 5-5 shape I cannot agree to any suit and my suggestion is to play a diamond slam.

 Note that in a classical (natural) distributional bidding method, like in the following auction, showing 5-5 in majors: 1♠ 2♥ 3♥

— 2♣/♦ — 2NT

Heart-agreeing slam intention is bid via 4 ♣ or 4♦, which occasionally may be needed for a natural bid. We do not have a possibility to distinguish between honour and shortage cue bid. Still another similar auction: 1♠ 2♥ 3♠

— 2♦ — 2NT (forcing)

showing 6 spades and 4 hearts. There is no good way to enter the slam zone. Let’s come back to transfer sequences. Sequence 6

1♠ — 2 ♦ 2 ♥ — 2NT 3 ♠  (5-4-1-3) Since East could agree spades at the level of two or three, a 4 ♣ cue bid  by him now must agree hearts.

54

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence 7

1♠ 2♠ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT

3♣ – 5 spades and 4+ clubs; 3 ♦ – fit in diamonds; 3 ♥ – transfer, 6+ spades; 3 ♠ – 6+ spades, good fit in diamonds; 3NT – 5-3-3-2, nothing special. We abandon the idea of a jump rebid in hearts (3 ♥) in favour of a transfer to spades. Sequence 8

1♠ 2♠ 3♠ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT — 3NT (waiting)

4♣ 4♦ 4♥ 4♠

– – – –

club shortage; no shortage; heart shortage; no shortage, fair spade suit.

3NT is waiting because we have two positive pieces of information about the opening hand (we know about a six-card spade suit and a fit in our own suit) so 3NT cannot be a final contract (if this was our intention, then after 2♠ we should jump to 3NT). Sequence 9

1♠ 3♥

— 2♦ (transfer, 6+ spades and extras in points)

We learned about the transfer methods whilst discussing 1 ♠ — 2♣. After a 2♦ response we have fewer options but nothing changes as far as the major suits are concerned.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

55

Sequence 10

1♠ 3♥ ?

— 2♦ — 3♠

(agreeing spades)

3♥ – is a transfer bid showing extra length in spades. East economically agrees spades and the opener concludes the description of his hand, using the following familiar scheme: 3NT – no shortage; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds; 4 ♥ – shortage in hearts.

4.1.3. AFTER 2♥ RESPONSE

2♠ 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦

– – – – – – – – –

W

E

1♠ ?

2♥

no other option; I want to play a no-trump contract; contract; natural, some extra strength; natural, some extra strength; transfer, transfer, 6+ spades, some extra strength; a medium hand with a heart fit, no shortage; weak splinter (shortage in clubs or diamonds); diamonds); splinter showing some extra strength; splinter showing some extra strength;

Let’s follow the subsequent auction.

56

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence 1

1♠ 2♠ ?

— 2♥ — 2NT

3♣ – natural; 3 ♦ – natural; 3 ♥ – transfer, 6+ spades; 3 ♠ – 6+ spades and poor fit in hearts (three small cards); 3NT – 5-2-3-3 shape. Sequence 2

With an excellent heart fit and good hand a 2NT rebid is advisable: 1 ♠ — 2♥ 2NT — 3♣ 3♥ — ? 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦ 4♥

– – – – –

shortage in spades; 2-5-2-4; two shortages; shortage in diamonds; minimum hand with no short suit.

Remember that with a poor heart fit (three small cards) and weak hand we should bid 2♠ . Sequence 3

1 ♠ — 2♥ 2NT — 3 ♦ 3♥ — ? 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦ 4♥

– – – – –

spade shortage; 2-5-2-4, I want to discuss slam options; club shortage; two shortages; minimum hand with no short suit.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

Sequence 4

1♠ 3♥

— 2♥ — ? 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦ 4♥

– fit in spades; – proposal of a final final contract; contract; – natural; – natural; – to play.

Sequence 5

1♠ 3♥ ?

— 2♥ — 3♠

3NT – no shortage; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds; 4 ♥ – shortage in hearts. Sequence 6

1♠ 3♠

— 2♥ — ? 3NT – no shortage shortage in a minor suit but slam is an option; option; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds.

Sequence 7

1 ♠ — 2♥ 3NT — 4♣  ? 4♦ 4♥

(waiting)

– shortage in diamonds; – shortage in clubs.

57

58

4.2.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

BIDDING AFTER 1♥ OPENING

I suggest responding 1 ♠ after a 1♥ opening when you hold a four-card spade suit. Thus the 2 ♣/♦  responses preclude four spades. Such an agreement originates a lot of complications but at the same time it opens new avenues.

4.2.1. AFTER 2♣ RESPONSE

2♦ 2♥ 2♠ 2NT

– – – –

3♣

–

3♦ 3♥

– –

3♠ – 3NT –

W

E

1♥ ?

2♣

4+ diamonds; no other bidding option; 4+ clubs, transfer bid, some extras in strength; I want to play a no-trump contract from my hand, at least one extra value in strength, possible shape 4-5-2-2 with honours in the minor suits; transfer, 5-5 5-5 shape with spades spades and diamonds, some extras in strength; transfer, 6+ hearts, some extras in strength; 5 hearts and and 4 spades, some extras in strength, denies three clubs; 4-5-1-3, some extras in strength; low honours, about 14 HCPs.

The development of the auction continues as usual. 1♥ 2♦

— 2♣ — ? 2♥

– agreeing hearts and showing slam aspirations, 15+ HCPs; 2 ♠ – waiting, intending to transfer a no-trump contract to the other hand; 2NT – waiting, wait ing, a possible possible no-trump contract I want want to play from my hand; 3♣ – 6+ clubs, non-forcing;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

3♦ 3♥ 3♠

59

– diamond-agreeing game forcing bid; – no slam aspirations, 13-14 HCPs with heart support; – splinter bid showing fit in diamonds.

Sequence 1

1♥ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥

The opener continues: 2♠ 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥

– – – – –

shortage in spades; 2-5-4-2 – some extra strength; shortage in clubs; two shortages; 2-5-2-4 2-5-2-4 – minimum, but not too bad.

Obviously, there is a version that will satisfy the supporters of describing the full distribution (rather than shortages): 1♥ 2♦ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥

3♦ 3♥

– 5-5 distribution (3♥ = waiting); – 6-4 distribution (3♠ = waiting).

60

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence 2

1♥ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2♠

– waiting, a wish to transfer a no-trump contract to the other hand.

? 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT 4♣

– I want to play from my hand; hand; – transfer, 5-5, hearts and diamonds; – transfer, 6 hearts and 4 diamonds; – 2-5-4-2, no stopper in spades; – 3-5-4-1, 3-5-4-1, spade fragment, no stopper in spades; – low honours, inclination to play play a no-trump contract; – 1-5-4-3, no points in spades, which authorises us to bypass 3NT.

I have complicated this sequence a bit. First of all, we have to realise what is behind the mysterious 2♠ waiting bid. Usually, it will show slam intentions. We should also find out about a 3-3 spade distribution, to play 3NT even if there is no spade stopper. Sequence 3

1♥ 2♦

— 2♣ — 2NT – waiting, a no-trump contract from from my hand is an option.

? 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– transfer, 5-5, hearts and diamonds; – transfer, 6 hearts and 4 diamonds; – 1-5-4-3; – 3-5-4-1; – 2-5-4-2.

Example ♠ 6 ♥ ♦ ♣

54 A K 10 8 4 K Q 10 8 3 —

♠ A

N W

E S

K9 ♥ Q 3 ♦ A 6 5 ♣ Q J 9 5 3

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

61

Classical auction 1♥ 2♦ 3♦

— 2♣ — 2NT — ?

If we confidently agree a diamond suit at the level of four, maybe we shall manage to reach the slam. Some players will bid 3NT now on the East cards, which will conclude the auction. Transfer auction 1 ♥ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 2NT 3♣ — 3 ♦ 4♣ — 4 ♠ 5♣ — 5 ♠ 6 ♦  – pass 3♣ – transfer to diamonds, 5-5. 4 ♣ – shortage. 5♣ – void. 5 ♠  – grand slam invitational bid. Let’s modify the West hand slightly. — ♥ A K 10 8 4 ♦ K Q 10 8 3 ♣ 6 4 2 1♥ 2♦ 3♣ 3♠  pass

— — — —

♠ A

N

♠

W

E S

K9 ♥ Q 3 ♦ A 6 5 ♣ Q J 9 5 3

2♣ 2NT 3♦ 3NT

The comfort of agreeing a suit at the level of three has triggered a dialogue that has allowed us to sign-off in 3 NT.

62

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence 4

1♥ 2♠

— 2♣ — ? 2NT – waiting, and happy to play a no-trump contract from my hand; 3♣ – agreeing clubs; 3 ♦ – shows values in diamonds; 3 ♥ – how about playing six hearts; 3 ♠ – shows shows values in spades; 3NT – natural, low honour strength.

Sequence 5

1♥ 2♥

— 2♣ – 2NT – waiting, a no-trump contract from my hand is an option.

? 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– natural, 4+ clubs, no extras in points; – transfer, 6 hearts; – 4-5-3-1 or 4-5-1-3; – 5-(3-2)-3, 5-(3-2)-3, good hand to play six clubs; – 5-3-3-3 or 4-5-2-2.

There is a catch in this sequence, namely that we have a problem with heart-spade hands. This is the reason why the 3 ♥  bid should indicate 5 hearts and 4 spades plus shortage in a minor suit. The 3NT bid may include 4-5-2-2 distribution (if the waiting 2NT included support in hearts, responder will show this by making a cue bid or bidding 4 ♥). Sequence 6

1♥ 2♥ 3♥ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT — 3 ♠ – waiting

3NT – 4-5-3-1; 4♣ – 4-5-1-3.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

63

It is obvious that with a club shortage you should not bypass 3NT. When the opener has a club fit, this is i s not a concern. Sequence 7

1♥ 2♠ ?

— 2♣ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– 5-5, hearts and clubs; – transfer, 6 hearts and 4 clubs; – 3-5-1-4, 3-5-1-4, transfer bid, showing three spades; – 1-5-3-4, 1-5-3-4, transfer bid, showing three diamonds; – 2-5-4-2.

From the responder’s point of view both fragments are irrelevant (neither diamonds nor spades can be agreed), therefore we shall stick with transfers. The idea of transfers may also be applied to show fragments of suits (3♥  – transfer to spade fragment). It follows that a 3♠  bid is a transfer to a fragment in the remaining suit (a diamond fragment). However, if you prefer, these fragments may be shown in a natural way. Sequence 8

1♥ 3♣ ?

— 2♣ — 3♦

3♥ 3♠ 3NT 4♣

– – – –

two short suits; short spades; natural; short clubs.

64

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Example

— ♥ A K Q5 2 ♦ A K 10 9 7 ♣ 8 7 2

♠ A

N

♠

W

E S

QJ ♥ J 8 ♦ Q J 3 ♣ J 10 9 6 5

Classical auction 1♥ 3♦

— 2♣ — ?

3NT will be a very bad decision if the partner has void in clubs. Transfer auction 1 ♥ — 2♣ 3♣ — 3 ♦ 3 ♠ — 3NT  pass Shortage in spades is not an advantage. Sequence 9

1♥ 3♦ ?

— 2♣ — 3♥

3NT – no shortage; 3 ♠ – shortage in spades; 4♣ – shortage in clubs; 4 ♦ – shortage in diamonds.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

65

Example

6 ♥ A K J 10 4 2 ♦ K 6 4 ♣ A 5 3

N

♠

W

KQ ♥ Q 8 ♦ A Q 8 ♣ J 10 9 8 4 2 ♠

E S

Classical auction 1 ♥ — 2♣ 3♥ — 3 ♠ 4♣ — 4 ♦ I shall give half of my kingdom to those who, after a series of cue bids, will be able to assess the potential of the two hands. Transfer auction 1 ♥ — 2♣ 3 ♦ — 3♥ 3 ♠ — 4♥  pass Shortage in spades is not an advantage. Sequence 10

1♥ 3♥ ?

— 2♣ — 3♠

– agrees hearts.

The opener may now rebid: 3NT – 4-5-2-2 4♣ – 4-5-3-1 Sequence 11

1♥ 3♠

— 2♣ — ? 4♣ 4♦

– agrees clubs; – agrees hearts.

66

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

4.2.2. AFTER 2♦ RESPONSE

1

W

E

♥

2

♦

? 2♥ 2♠ 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 4♣ 3NT

– – – – – – – – –

no other bidding option; transfer to clubs, 5 hearts and 4+ clubs, extra strength; I want to play a no-trump contract, contract, some extra strength; diamond fit, some extra strength; transfer, 6+ hearts, some extra strength; 5 hearts and 4 spades, some extra strength; splinter bid showing 4+ diamonds and spade shortage; splinter bid showing 4+ diamonds and club shortage; low honours, about 14 HCPs.

The development of further auction. Sequence 1

1♥ 2♥

— 2♦ — ? 2♠

– third suit, an inclination to transfer a no-trump no-trump contract to the other hand; 2NT – waiting bid, but I want to be a declarer in a no-trump no-trump contract; 3♣ – natural, may be value showing; 3 ♦ – 6+ diamonds, non-forcing bid; 3 ♥ – encouraging encouraging and heart-agreeing bid; 3 ♠ – splinter bid; 4♣ – splinter bid.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

67

Sequence 2

1♥ 2♥ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– – – –

5 hearts and 4+ clubs; transfer, 6+ hearts; 4 spades and 5 hearts, shortage in a minor; 5 hearts and and 3 diamonds, considering considering the bidding, not not a bad hand with 3-card support; 3NT – 5-3-3-2 or 4-5-2-2.

Sequence 3

1♥ 2♥ 3♥ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT — 3 ♠ – waiting

3NT – 4-5-1-3; 4♣ – 4-5-3-1. Sequence 4

1♥ 2♠ ?

— 2♦ — 2NT

3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– 5+ clubs; – transfer, 6+ hearts and 4 clubs; – 1-5-3-4; – 3-5-1-4; – 2-5-2-4.

We have a ‘transfer to hearts’ mechanism in this sequence. We can then  bid a diamond fragment at a lower level and a spade fragment – a disadvantage – at a higher one.

68

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Example ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

K6 A 10 8 4 2 5 AKJ87

♠ A

N W

E S

Q2

3 ♦ A J9 64 3 ♣ Q 10 5 ♥

Classical auction 1♥ — 2 ♦ 3♣ — 3 ♦ 3NT — ? This will most likely end the auction. Transfer auction 1♥ 2♠ 3♣ 3NT 4♥ 5♣  pass

— — — – — —

2♦ 2NT 3♦ 4♣ 4NT 6♣

At the level of 3♣  we already know about the 5-5 distribution and surplus in the opener’s power, which allows us to continue the bidding. Below follow a number of sequences which encourage an extra-length transfer bid. Sequence 5

1♥ 2♣ ?

— 1♠ — 2♦

2♥ 2♠ 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥

– – – – – –

– waiting (fourth suit)

no other bidding option; 3-5-1-4, no extra strength; I want to be a declarer in a no-trump contract; contract; 5-5; transfer, 6+ hearts and four clubs, extra strength; transfer transfer to spades, 3-5-1-4, extra strength;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

3♠

69

– the worst worst possible possible shape, 1-5-3-4, extra strength, no no stopper stopper in diamonds;

Example ♠ K

Q6 ♥ A K Q 8 4 ♦ — ♣ J 9 8 5 4

N W

♠

E S

♥ ♦ ♣

A J 10 8 3 J5 Q 87 4 AK

Classical auction 1♥ 2♣ 3♠

— 1♠ — 2♦ — ?

 Now a problem may arise. What is the agreed suit? 4♣  agrees clubs, yes, but does 4 ♦ agree spade or hearts? Transfer auction 1♥ 2♣ 3♥ 4♦ 5NT 7 ♠ 

— — — — — –

1♠ 2♦ 3♠ 4NT 6♦ pass

3♥  – is a transfer to spades and 3♠  confirms the fit. 4 ♦  – void (a shortage was indicated by the transfer to spades bid – 3-5-1-4). 5NT shows two aces + queen of trumps + one king. 6 ♦  – grand slam invitational bid. Sequence 6

1♥ 2♣ ?

— 1♠ — 2NT

In the classical version of natural bidding 2NT is invitational. This makes a lot of sense, particularly when you have comfortable lower waiting bid (a fourth suit 2♦). A question arises whether it is worth while

70

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

giving up an invitational bid in favour of a waiting bid. In this particular situation, certainly not. I have decided to attribute a forcing meaning to 2NT to avoid creating unnecessary precedence. These are the profits derived from this method: The 2♦ waiting bid implies the intention to make partner the declarer in a no-trump contract and to proceed with a two-way exchange of information; The 2NT waiting bid is an attempt to take control of the auction and is one step towards a one-way flow of information (despite the natural  beginning). It also, at the same time, describes the no-trump nature of the hand. 1♥ 2♣ ?

— 1♠ — 2NT

The opener continues: 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT

– 5-5; – transfer, 6+ hearts and 4 clubs; – transfer to spades, 3-5-1-4; – the worst possible shape, 1-5-3-4; – 2-5-2-4.

Sequence 7

1♥ 2♦ ?

— 1♠ — 2NT

In this sequence a 2NT waiting bid is a must. The alternative waiting  bid (a fourth suit 3♣  ) is extremely uncomfortable and should play the role of an asking bid in a drive to a no-trump contract. 1♥ 2♦ ?

— 1♠ — 2NT

The opener continues: 3♣ 3♦

– transfer to diamonds, 5-5 shape; – transfer, 6+ hearts and four diamonds;

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

71

3 ♥ – transfer to spades, 3-5-4-1; 3 ♠ – the worst possible shape, 1-5-4-3; 3NT – 2-5-2-4.

4.3.

BIDDING AFTER 1♦ (♣) OPENING

4.3.1. 1♦ OPENING 1♦ opening may include:  – +5♦ – 12-21HCPs;  – any three-suited hand 4441 4441 with four diamonds diamonds 12-21HCPs;  – 4♦ – 5♣ within 12-16HCPs range. Holding flat hand we open 1 ♣  even having four diamonds and club doubleton. We may imagine losses originated by accepting this concept. Profits come from camouflage when after typical bidding 1♣ — 1♥/♠ 1NT you are a declarer in a no-trump suit at any level. A leader does not have an easy task. Sequence 1 1♦ 1♠ ?

— 1♥ — 2♣

2♦ 2♥ 2♠ 2NT 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– – – – – – – –

– waiting ( fourth  fourth suit)

no other bidding option; 4-3-5-1 shape with no surplus in power; transfer to clubs, 4-1-4-4; I want to be a declarer in a no-trump contract; contract; transfer to diamonds, 6-4 shape, extra strength; transfer to hearts 4-3-5-1, extra strength; transfer to spades – 6 diamonds and 5 spades, extra strength; transfer to clubs, 4-1-5-3, no stopper in clubs, extra strength.

72

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Example

A K8 7 ♥ — ♦ A J9 42 ♣ Q 9 7 3

♠ 10

6 ♥ Q 10 8 4 2 ♦ K Q ♣ A K J 4

N

♠

W

E S

Classical auction 1 ♦ — 1♥ 1 ♠ — 2♣ 3♣ Bypassing 3NT may be too risky – partner may hold a three-suited (41-4-4) hand, for example: ♠ Q

J94

♥ A

♦ A

J 10 5

♣ 10

973

How can we show in a subtle way our interest in a club slam without exceeding 3NT? Transfer auction 1 ♦ — 1♥ 1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♠ — 3♣ 3♦ — 4♦ 4 ♥ — 4NT 5NT — ? Slam is very difficult to reach. The ♦J plays a decisive role here, but the 3♦ bid shows a solid suit. With the following hand: ♠ A

K87

♥ —

♦ A

8432

♣ Q

973

 partner could show honours honours in spades instead of bidding bidding 3 ♦ . Explanations of particular bids: 2♠ – transfer to clubs. 3 ♣ – agrees clubs as trumps. At first, it seems that 3 ♥  would indicate a void. However, we must reserve at least one bid that is negative and may assign a no-trump contract to the proper hand (responder’s). This is the meaning of the 3 ♥  bid.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

73

3♦ – I am interested. 4 ♦ – control-showing cue bid. 4 ♥ – void. 5NT – 2 aces + queen of trumps + one king. Sequence 2 1♦ 2♥

— 1♠ — 2NT (waiting, I want to play a no-trump contract from my hand)

? 3♣ 3♦

– transfer to diamonds, 6-4 shape; – transfer to hearts, 6 diamonds and 5 hearts or a three-suited hand; 3 ♥ – transfer to spades, 3-4-5-1; 3 ♠ – transfer to clubs, 1-4-5-3; 3NT – 2-4-5-2. I have somewhat complicated this sequence. It is important to find out about a three-suited shape. 6 diamonds and 5 hearts is an obstacle, so a 3 ♦  bid must have more than one meaning. Example

— ♥ A K 10 8 ♦ K Q J9 8 4 ♣ A 6 5

N

♠

W

J 10 9 8 3 ♥ 3 2 ♦ A 10 ♣ K Q 9 7 ♠

E S

Classical auction 1♦ — 1♠ 2 ♥ — 2NT 3♦ — ? 3NT will most certainly end the auction.

74

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Transfer auction 1♦ — 1♠ 2 ♥ — 2NT 3♣ — 3 ♦ 3 ♠ — 4♣ 4 ♠ — 4NT 5♣ — 5 ♦ 5NT — 6♣ 6 ♦ — pass 3♣ – transfer to diamonds, 6-4 shape. 3 ♦ – suit agreeing. 3 ♠ – shortage in spades (3♥  – shortage in clubs). 4 ♣  – cue bid, good shortage is encouraging. 4♠  – void, good news. 5 ♦  – queen of trump asking bid (positive response to  Blackwood   – 3 aces precluding the possibility to stop in 5♦  contract). 5NT – queen of trumps + one king. 6 ♣  – grand invitational bid. 1♦ 2♥ 3♦ ?

— 1♠ — 2NT — 3 ♥  (waiting)

The opener may not continue with: 3♠ 3NT 4♣ 4♦

– – – –

1-4-4-4 (0-4-5-4) 0-5-6-2 2-5-6-0 1-5-6-1

If possible, we bid short suits in a natural way.

4. TWO OVER ONE – Transfer Version

75

4.3.2. 1♣ OPENING We can also use extra length transfer bids after a 1 ♣  opening. For instance, in the Common Language system  system  [Wspólny J ę zyk – a Polish bidding system] the system]  the following sequence: 1♣ 2♣

— 1♠ = 16+ HCPs, 5+ clubs

shows extra strength. The auction may continue: 1♣ — 1 ♠ 2♣ — 2 ♥ 2NT

= waiting, I want to play a no-trump contract from my hand

 Now is the time to use transfer bids: 1♣ — 1 ♠ 2♣ — 2 ♥ 2NT — ? 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– – – –

5-4-1-3; transfer to hearts, 5-5 shape; transfer to spades, 6-4 shape; the t he worst possible shape with a diamond fragment, 54-3-1 (or 5-4-4-0); 3NT – 5-4-2-2.

76

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Example

K6 ♥ A Q 8 ♦ A Q ♣ K J 8 7 3 2

A8432 ♥ K J 10 5 3 ♦ J 6 3 ♣ —

N

♠

W

♠

E S

Classical auction 1♣ — 1 ♠ 2♣ — 2 ♥ 2NT — 3 ♥ 4♣ — ? Our first doubt is whether a 4♣ bid is a heart-agreeing cue bid. If it is a natural bid inviting a club slam, then our problems are even bigger. Given that 4♣ agrees hearts, we are now facing a difficult decision. Should we risk a 4♠ bid? We may only dream about East showing a void in clubs. Transfer auction 1♣ — 1 ♠ 2♣ — 2 ♥ 2NT — 3 ♦ 3 ♥ — 4♣ 4 ♦ — 5♣ 6 ♥ — pass 3♦  – transfer to hearts. 4 ♣ – shortage. 5♣  – void. 6 ♥  – we need too much for a grand slam. Suppose instead that partner held this hand: ♠ A

8432

♥ K

9532

♦ J

6

♣ 6

after our 4♦ cue bid he would bid 4 ♥, which would end the auction.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

77

5. TRAINING MATERIALS 5.1.

INDIVIDUAL QUIZ

The hands below are the same ones as in the partnership quiz, but you have the chance to answer on your own. You have both the East and a nd West hands in front of you. How, in your opinion, should the bidding proceed? Suggest an auction, using the methods presented in this book. If your  partner also answers this quiz, you should compare the two sets of solutions. Any differences will be an interesting subject for a discussion. In the individual quiz West always opens the bidding. My suggested auctions are on page 83. 1.

2.

3.

AJ876 ♥ A Q 4 ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♣ 7

K 10 8 7 2 ♥ 6 5 4 ♦ A KQ 5 ♣ A

♥ ♦ ♣

4.

W

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

J8743 AK A Q 10 8 82

A K 10 8 5 4 8 A Q6 4 43

E

Q 10 ♥ K 5 ♦ A K 6 ♣ J 10 5 4 3

E

AQ ♥ J 10 7 3 ♦ J 10 4 3 ♣ K Q J

E

5 ♥ 8 7 2 ♦ K J9 8 ♣ A K Q 10 5

E

QJ ♥ K 10 4 ♦ K J 5 ♣ A 10 9 7 5

S

N

♠

♠

♠ K

N

♠

W

♠

S

N W

♠

S

N W S

♠

78

5.

6.

7.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

KJ875 ♥ — ♦ A K 10 9 7 ♣ K 5 4

A 10 8 6 4 ♥ Q J 4 ♦ A J 10 5 4 ♣ —

♥ ♦ ♣

8.

9.

10.

KJ875 K9 A 10 4 2 Q5

A8643 ♥ 9 5 2 ♦ A K6 4 ♣ 8

E

95 ♥ A 6 ♦ K Q9 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7

E

A2 ♥ Q 6 3 ♦ K 8 ♣ A K 10 9 4 3

E

9 ♥ A K J 7 ♦ Q 97 2 ♣ K Q J 5

E

2 ♥ A K Q 5 ♦ Q J3 2 ♣ J 9 7 2

E

6 ♥ A K 6 4 ♦ K 5 ♣ A J 9 5 43

S

N W

♠

S

N W

♠

S

N

♠

J8743 ♥ 5 ♦ A Q4 3 ♣ K Q 8

♠ K

♠

E

W

♠

AK864 ♥ 10 8 7 ♦ A K 10 9 ♣ 6

N

W

♠

♠

S

A9 ♥ Q 8 7 3 ♦ Q J4 3 ♣ A Q 8

N

♠

W

♠

S

N

♠

W S

♠

My suggested auctions are on page 83.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

11.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

12.

13.

♠

♣

16.

W

E

Q7 ♥ Q J 5 ♦ A 10 6 5 2 ♣ K J 5

♠

S

A K J 10 6 5 2 N ♥ — W ♦ J 9 8 S ♣ A Q 9

♦

15.

E

K7 ♥ A J 10 2 ♦ Q J9 85 ♣ A 5

N

♠

♥

14.

A 10 8 6 2 KD8754 — K6

7 A98642 2 A K 10 6 5

A 87 3 ♥ K Q 10 9 6 ♦ Q 10 9 ♣ 7

W

E

♦

Q A J8 4 Q9843

♣

N E

KJ ♥ A J 3 2 ♦ A K8 7 ♣ Q 6 5

E S

J4 ♥ Q 8 ♦ K J 10 9 7 ♣ A Q J 2

N

♠ A

♠

S

N W

♠

♥

J4

S

W

♠

6 ♥ A K 6 5 4 ♦ K J 2 ♣ A 8 7 3

♠ A

N

♠

87 ♥ A K 9 6 3 ♦ A Q4 2 ♣ K 10

♠

W

♠

E S

10 8

2 ♦ A Q 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 10 6 ♥

My suggested auctions are on page 83.

79

80

17.

18.

19.

20.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ K

D4 N ♥ K Q 10 8 4 3 2 W ♦ — S ♣ K Q 6

AK862 ♥ Q 6 5 ♦ K J 8 ♣ 4 3

♥ ♦ ♣

21.

22.

W

K Q 10 8 5 3 K4 10 8 2 A7

— ♥ A K 7 6 ♦ A K J 10 5 4 ♣ Q 10 8

E

AJ ♥ A Q 76 5 2 ♦ A 4 ♣ 9 8 2

E

J 10 9 7 5 ♥ 3 2 ♦ Q 9 2 ♣ A K 5

E

A9853 ♥ Q 7 3 ♦ Q 6 ♣ A J 10

N W

♠

S

N W

♠

S

N

♠

Q4 ♥ A K J 10 ♦ K J8 74 ♣ 2

E

— ♥ K Q 10 8 4 ♦ Q 10 4 ♣ K J 9 3 2

♠

S

♠

♠

E

J9 ♥ A K J 10 9 7 ♦ 7 ♣ A 10 8 7

N

♠

K Q 10 9 6 ♥ A J 6 5 ♦ A 8 ♣ 8 5

E

A7 ♥ A 5 ♦ Q 10 8 7 4 2 ♣ A 10 9 ♠

W

♠

S

♠ K

N W S

♠

My suggested auctions are on page 83.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

23.

24.

25.

2 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♦ A KQ 43 ♣ K J 7

3 ♥ Q 10 6 2 ♦ A KJ 7 ♣ A K J 5

♥ ♦ ♣

26.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

27.

28.

K Q4 3 A2 AKJ65 32

J 87 5 K5 AK9842 5

K QJ 6 ♥ J ♦ A KQ 52 ♣ 9 8 3

E

K Q 10 5 ♥ K 8 7 ♦ Q 6 5 ♣ Q 4 3

E

A7 ♥ K Q 7 5 3 ♦ Q 2 ♣ A J 10 5

E S

AK ♥ A 8 7 4 ♦ D 10 5 3 ♣ D 10 4

N

♠ A

S

N W

♠

S

N W

♠

S

N W

♠

A 10 7 3 ♥ A K 5 ♦ A J 10 4 3 ♣ 3

E

753 ♥ A 8 ♦ J 10 7 2 ♣ D 10 9

W

♠

♠

♠ J

N

♠

W

♠

E

10 ♥ A K Q 5 ♦ J 10 9 8 ♣ 4 3 2

E

2 ♥ Q J 10 7 6 ♦ K 5 ♣ A Q 6 4 2

S

N

♠

W S

♠

My suggested auctions are on page 83.

81

82

29.

30.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

A J 10 5 ♥ 3 ♦ A 10 4 3 ♣ A Q 10 5

Q ♥ A Q 6 ♦ A 10 8 ♣ A J 10 8 6 5

E

Q7 ♥ A Q 9 8 ♦ Q 2 ♣ K 8 7 6 2

E

AK5432 ♥ K J 9 8 4 ♦ 2 ♣ 7

N

♠

W

♠

S

N

♠

W S

♠

My suggested auctions are on page 83.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

5.2. 1.

1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 3♥ 4♠ 5♥  pass

83

SOLUTIONS TO QUIZZES – suggested bidding AJ876 ♥ A Q 4 ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♣ 7 — — — — — —

♠ K

N

♠

W

E S

Q 10 ♥ K 5 ♦ A K 6 ♣ J 10 5 4 3

2♣ 2♠ 3♦ 3♠ 4NT 6♠

The club shortage is good news. 3 ♥ showed values and precluded a club void. By bidding 4 ♠, West warned his partner that he held a beautiful hand, albeit a minimum. This was enough to land in a slam. sl am. 2.

K 10 8 7 2 ♥ 6 5 4 ♦ A KQ 5 ♣ A

N

♠

W

E S

AQ ♥ J 10 7 3 ♦ J 10 4 3 ♣ K Q J ♠

1 ♠ — 2♣ 2 ♦ — 2♥ 3 ♠ — 3NT  pass The jump to 3♠  shows 5-3-4-1 shape, some extras in power and no stopper in hearts. 3NT is the obvious concluding bid.

84

3.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♠ 2♦ 3♥ 4♥ 6♦

— — — — —

J8743 AK A Q 10 8 82

N W

E S

5 ♥ 8 7 2 ♦ K J9 8 ♣ A K Q 10 5 ♠

2♣ 3♦ 3♠ 5♣ pass

This is a typical sequence for a two-way exchange of information. The responder presents his hand in an accurate a ccurate way; a game-forcing hand with clubs and diamonds and the honours concentrated in these two suits. The waiting 3♥ bid is a spade shortage seeking bid. A) Why does 3 ♠ show shortage and not a doubleton spade queen? The opener could show his interest in a spade game by repeating his spade suit (after 3 ♦): 1♠ 2♦ 3♠

— 2♣ — 3♦

It may seem amazing that after 3 ♥, holding the following: E1 ♠ Q 5 ♥ 6 5 ♦ K J 9 8 ♣ A K Q 10 6 we have to propose a 3NT contract. Don’t worry; our partner knows the shape and location of honours in our hand. By bidding 3 ♥, he had to take into consideration that 3NT will be played from our hand.  Note that a heart shortage in the responder’s hand is precluded (East would have made a splinter bid): 1♠ 2♦

— 2♣ — 3♥

–  splinter 

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

85

B) Then what is the 4 ♥ bid for if everything is clear? Well, not everything – partner may have a void in spades. ♠ — ♥ 8 7 5 ♦ K J 9 8 ♣ A K Q 10 8 6 then the bidding would be as follows: 1♠ 2♦ 3♥ 4♥ 4NT 5NT 7♦ 4.

— — — — — — —

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♠ 2♦ 3♥ 3NT  pass

— — — —

2♣ 3♦ 3♠ 4♠ 5♥ 7♣ pass

A K 10 8 5 4 8 A Q6 4 43

N W

E S

QJ ♥ K 10 4 ♦ K J 5 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♠

2♣ 2NT 3♠ 4♠

3♥  – transfer to spades showing 6 spades and 4 diamonds. The responder showed his interest in a spade slam. 3NT – heart singleton. (4 ♥  – void) Let’s recall the complete scheme, after such a start to the bidding: 1♠ 2♦ 3♥

— 2♣ — 2NT — 3♠

86

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

The opener now bids on these lines: 3NT – heart singleton; 4♣ – club shortage; 4 ♦ – two shortages, shortages, 7-1-4-1 or 6-1-5-1 6-1-5-1 with with a solid spade suit and  poor diamonds; 4 ♥ – void in hearts; 4 ♠ – super minimum. 5.

KJ875 ♥ — ♦ A K 10 9 7 ♣ K 5 4

N

♠

W

E S

A9 ♥ Q 8 7 3 ♦ Q J4 3 ♣ A Q 8 ♠

Let’s see how this sequence will develop: 1♠ 2♦ 3♣ ?

— 2♣ — 2♥ — 3♦

3♥

– I do not want to land in a slam; bid 3NT 3NT if you want. As a rule, this will be on a poor hand with short clubs and no stopper in hearts; 3 ♠ – two shortages; 3NT – stopper in hearts, a contract proposal; 4♣ – shortage in clubs, good hand, I am not afraid of bypassing 3NT; 4 ♦ – singleton in hearts; 4 ♥ – void in hearts. This is an exception. Partner invites us to a diamond slam. With such a variety of positive responses, we should have at least one that is discouraging. 3♥ is such a bid.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

87

The auction will go as follows: 1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♥ 4NT 7♦

— — — — — —

2♣ 2♥ 3♦ 4♠ 5♠ pass

4NT – Exclusion –  Exclusion Blackwood (heart ace excluded). 5♠  – two aces and the trump queen. The slam encouraging 3 ♦  bid promises something more. 6.

1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♣ 4♠ 5♥  pass

A 10 8 6 4 ♥ Q J 4 ♦ A J 10 5 4 ♣ — — — — — — —

♠ K

N

♠

W

E S

95 ♥ A 6 ♦ K Q9 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7

2♣ 2♠ 3♦ 4♦ 4NT 6♦

Void in clubs, no extras in power, two aces without the queen of trumps  – such information is enough enough to bid a diamond slam. Is 6♦  an invitational bid for grand in spades (even though 2 ♠  was a spade-agreeing bid)? The responder stressed in the course of the auction his solid diamond suit and the opener revealed the poor quality of his spade suit (lacking ♠Q), so 6♦ is looking for a better slam.

88

7.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♠ 2♦ 2NT 3♥ 3NT 4♦ 4♠ 5♦ 5NT  pass

— — — — — — — — —

KJ875 K9 A 10 4 2 Q5

N W

A2 ♥ Q 6 3 ♦ K 8 ♣ A K 10 9 4 3 ♠

E S

2♣ 2♥ 3♣ 3♠ 4♣ 4♥ 4NT 5♥ 6♣

After the 2♥  waiting bid, responder reverted to natural bidding. He accepted his partner’s slam ambitions. 4♥ – a classical example of using the waiting bid, sometimes known as a ‘cue bid provoking call’. The responder needed a spade cue bid. The 3♥ bid has already suggested the trump queen (initial acceptance of a partner’s slam intentions). 5♥ – was an asking bid for the trump queen with a 5NT contract as an alternative. 8.

1♠ 2♦ 2♠ 3♠  pass

A8643 ♥ 9 5 2 ♦ A K6 4 ♣ 8

N

♠

— — — —

2♣ 2♥ 2NT 3NT

W

E S

9 ♥ A K J 7 ♦ Q 97 2 ♣ K Q J 5 ♠

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

89

The opener showed 5-3-4-1 shape, with no extras in power or a stopper in hearts. The general values for a slam are there, but the slam is a poor one. 9.

1♠ 2♦ 3♠ 4♠ 5♣  pass

AK864 ♥ 10 8 7 ♦ A K 10 9 ♣ 6

N

♠

— — — — —

W

2 ♥ A K Q 5 ♦ Q J3 2 ♣ J 9 7 2 ♠

E S

2♣ 2♥ 4♦ 4NT 6♦

As in the previous example, the opener indicated 5-3-4-1 shape but with extra strength. The responder is encouraged by the fact that he has so little wasted in clubs. 10.

1♠ 2♦ 3♦ 4♣ 5♣  pass

J8743 ♥ 5 ♦ A Q4 3 ♣ K Q 8

N

♠

— — — — —

W

E S

6 ♥ A K 6 4 ♦ K 5 ♣ A J 9 5 4 3 ♠

2♣ 2♥ 3♥ 4♦ 6♣

3♦ – a club fragment. 3 ♥ – let’s discuss a slam option. 4♣ – acceptance of partner’s intentions. West has a minimum hand but the location of his honours is good. East bids 6 ♣, encouraged by the fact that West cannot cue-bid in spades.

90

11.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

A 10 8 6 2 KD8754 — K6

N W

E S

K7 ♥ A J 10 2 ♦ Q J9 85 ♣ A 5 ♠

1♠ 2♥ 3♦ 4♦ 4NT 7♥

— — — — — —

2♦ 2NT 3♥ 4♠ 5♥ pass

3♦ 4♠

– transfer, 5-5 shape. 3NT – void in diamonds. (3NT – singleton) – cue bid (with a hand that is easy to describe, East should not take over the control).

There is yet another way to reach the goal: 1♠ 2♥ 4♦ 5♦ 7♥

— — — — —

2♦ 3♥ 4♠ 6♣ pass

3♥ – two-way exchange of information, natural bidding. 4 ♦ – shortage. 5♦ – void. 6♣ – cue bid. 7♥ – partner’s shape is 2-4-5-2 or 1-4-5-3 with the heart and club aces. Still, it is not enough to invite a slam – we need spade king (4♠ cue bid could indicate a shortage) for such active bidding.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

12.

1♠ 3♥ 4♥ 5♥  pass

A K J 10 6 5 2 N ♥ — W ♦ J 9 8 S ♣ A Q 9 ♠

— — — —

91

Q7 ♥ Q J 5 ♦ A 10 6 5 2 ♣ K J 5 ♠

E

2♦ 3♠ 4♠ 6♠

3♥ – transfer to spades. 4 ♥ – shortage. 5♥ – it is worthwhile to take a risk and show the void. 6 ♠ – a delicate decision. The ♦10 was most likely a decisive holding in this situation, since partner probably has three diamonds. Let’s view the distribution of the diamond side suit. a) ♦ Q 7 4 — ♦ A 6 5 3 2  b) ♦ Q 7 4 — ♦ A 10 5 3 2 In case of (a), the odds for slam are not much more than 50%. The ten of diamonds increases the odds to 78%.

92

13.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♥ 2♠ 3♣ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣  pass

— — — — — —

7 A98642 2 A K 10 6 5

♠ A

N W

E S

♥ ♦ ♣

J4

Q A J8 4 Q9843

2♣ 2NT 3♦ 4♣ 4NT 7♣

2♠ – transfer to clubs. 2NT – waiting. 3 ♣ – 5-5. 3 ♦ – waiting, invitation to play a club slam. 3 ♥ – two shortages. 4 ♣ – waiting. 4♥ – cue bid. 5 ♣ – three of the five key cards. 14.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♥ 2♥ 3♥ 3NT 4♥ 5♠  pass

— — — — — —

A 87 3 K Q 10 9 6 Q 10 9 7

N W

E S

KJ ♥ A J 3 2 ♦ A K8 7 ♣ Q 6 5 ♠

2♣ 2NT 3♠ 4♦ 4NT 6♥

2NT – waiting. 3 ♥ – 4-5-(3-1) shortage in a minor suit. 3 ♠ – waiting. 3NT – club shortage (It is not advisable to bypass a 3NT contract). 4 ♦ – heart-agreeing cue bid. 4 ♥ – minimum hand. 4NT – ♠A and ♥KQ are not enough to open the bidding, but a potential ♦Q or ♠Q will guarantee a slam.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

15.

87 ♥ A K 9 6 3 ♦ A Q4 2 ♣ K 10

N

♠

W

93

J4 ♥ Q 8 ♦ K J 10 9 7 ♣ A Q J 2 ♠

E S

1♥ — 2 ♦ 3♣ — 3 ♦ 3♥ — 4♥  pass 3♣ – fit-showing transfer bid, showing extra strength. 3 ♥ – bid showing concern about spades. 16.

1♥ 2♠ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣  pass

6 ♥ A K 6 5 4 ♦ K J 2 ♣ A 8 7 3 — — — — —

♠ A

N

♠

W

E S

10 8

2 ♦ A Q 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 10 6 ♥

2♦ 2NT 4♦ 4NT 7♦

2♠  – transfer to clubs. 2NT – waiting. 3♥  – diamond fragment (3 ♦ – would be transfer bid showing 6+ hearts). 4 ♥  – cue bid precluding a spade void (note that a priority to show voids prevails). 7 ♦  – partner  promised some extras in power. Even without the heart king and club queen there is a chance to establish the fifth heart.

94

17.

1♥ 3♦ 4♦ 5♦ 5NT 7♥

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

♠ K

D4 N ♥ K Q 10 8 4 3 2 W ♦ — S ♣ K Q 6 — — — — — —

A7 ♥ A 5 ♦ Q 10 8 7 4 2 ♣ A 10 9 ♠

E

2♦ 3♥ 4♠ 5♠ 6♣ pass

3♦  – transfer to 6+ hearts, extra strength. 3 ♥  – suit agreement. 4 ♦ – shortage. 4♠ – I like it. 5 ♦ – void. 5♠ – a hand easy to describe, requesting the partner to take control over the auction. 5NT –  Blackwood. The  prevailing rule: if we skip a 4NT bid while cue bidding, then 5NT plays the role of the  Blackwood . 6♣  – three aces (precluding the ace of diamonds in this case). 18.

1♠ 3♠ 4♥

AK862 ♥ Q 6 5 ♦ K J 8 ♣ 4 3

N

♠

W

E S

J9 ♥ A K J 10 9 7 ♦ 7 ♣ A 10 8 7 ♠

— 2♥ — 4♦ — pass

3♠ – medium hand with a heart support and no shortage. 4 ♦ – short in diamonds (3NT – waiting bid without a shortage in a minor suit). 4 ♥ – sign-off, with values wasted opposite East’s shortage.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

19.

1♠ 2NT 3♥ 4♥

K Q 10 9 6 ♥ A J 6 5 ♦ A 8 ♣ 8 5

N

♠

— — — —

W

95

— ♥ K Q 10 8 4 ♦ Q 10 4 ♣ K J 9 3 2 ♠

E S

2♥ 3♣ 3♠ pass

2NT – extras in strength, possibly with a fit in hearts. 3 ♥ – good heart fit. 3♠ – spade shortage. 4 ♥ – sign-off, discouraged by the wasted spade honours opposite partner’s known shortage. 20.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♠ 2♠ 3♥ 3NT 4♥ 5♠  pass

— — — — — —

K Q 10 8 5 3 K4 10 8 2 A7

N W

E S

AJ ♥ A Q 76 5 2 ♦ A 4 ♣ 9 8 2 ♠

2♥ 2NT 3♠ 4♦ 4NT 7♠

3♥ – transfer to 6+ spades. 3 ♠ – suit agreement. 3NT – no short suit. 4 ♦  – the lowest cue bid (denying a club control). We can risk 7NT but without a diamond lead the grand in spades is feasible even when hearts do not behave.

96

21.

1♦ 2♥ 3♣ 3♠ 4♠ 5♣ 5NT 7♦

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

— ♥ A K 7 6 ♦ A K J 10 5 4 ♣ Q 10 8

N

♠

— — — — — — — —

W

E S

J 10 9 7 5 ♥ 3 2 ♦ Q 9 2 ♣ A K 5 ♠

1♠ 2NT 3♦ 4♣ 4NT 5♥ 6♣ pass

2NT – is waiting, 3♣ (fourth suit) plays the role of an asking bid for a no-trump contract; 3♣ – transfer transfer to diamonds – shape 6♦ – 4♥; 3 ♦ – suit agreement; 3 ♠ – shortage (two economic levels 3♥  and 3♠  allow you to show shortage in spades in a natural way; 3♥ would show a shortage in clubs); 4♣ – cue bid – shortage is an advantage; 4 ♠ – repeating the shortage indicates a void and is a priority; 5 ♥ – asking for for a number of kings. (In this situation 5♦  would be asking for a trump queen. It would be coming back to the agreed suit but since the opener showed the void and three key cards out of five, such good news precludes stopping in 5 ♦); 6♣ – grand invitational.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

22.

1♦ 2♥ 3♥ 3NT 4♦ 6♣  pass

♠ K

Q4 ♥ A K J 10 ♦ K J8 74 ♣ 2 — — — — — —

N W

97

A9853 ♥ Q 7 3 ♦ Q 6 ♣ A J 10 ♠

E S

1♠ 2NT 3♠ 4♣ 4NT 6♠

3 ♥ – transfer to spades; 3 ♠ – how about slam in spades? 3NT – requires explanation. I, myself, support purely waiting bid role of 3NT. Very often, we need a proper tempo for cue bids to describe our hand. 6♣ 23.

– economic Blackwood  economic Blackwood  (2  (2 aces + trump queen + two kings).

2 ♥ K Q 6 5 ♦ A KQ 43 ♣ K J 7

♠ J

N

♠

W

E S

753 ♥ A 8 ♦ J 10 7 2 ♣ Q 10 9

1♦ — 1♠ 2 ♥ — 2NT 3♠ — 5 ♦  pass 3♠ 5♦

– transfer transfer to club fragment, indicating 1-4-5-3; – an optimist will make an attempt to seek a slam.

98

24.

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

3 ♥ Q 10 6 2 ♦ A KJ 7 ♣ A K J 5

N

♠

W

K Q 10 5 ♥ K 8 7 ♦ Q 6 5 ♣ Q 4 3 ♠

E S

1♦ 2♥ 3♦ 3♠  pass

— — — —

3♦ 3♥ 3♠

– transfer to hearts 6♦ – 5♥ or 1-4-4-4; – waiting; – 1-4-4-4.

25.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♦ 1♠ 2♦ 4NT  pass

— — — —

1♠ 2NT 3♥ 3NT

K Q4 3 A2 AKJ65 32

N W

A7 ♥ K Q 7 5 3 ♦ Q 2 ♣ A J 10 5 ♠

E S

1♥ 2♣ 2NT 6NT

2 ♦ – I have no other bidding option; 4NT – invitational.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

26.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

1♦ 1♠ 2♦ 3♣ 3♠ 4♥ 5♥  pass

— — — — — — —

J 87 5 K5 AK9842 5

N W

AK ♥ A 8 7 4 ♦ D 10 5 3 ♣ D 10 4 ♠

E S

99

1♥ 2♣ 2NT 3♦ 4♦ 4NT 6♦

2NT – second waiting bid; 3♣ – transfer to diamonds, indicating 6♦ – 4♠ distribution; 3 ♦ – agreement; 3 ♠ – two economic levels allow you to indicate indicate heart shortage in a natural way, so 3♠ shows club shortage; 4 ♦ – invitation to slam, steering to a vital heart cue bid; 5 ♥ – two key cards out of five without trump queen. 2NT – is another waiting bid. Also in this case we shall use the idea of extra length transfer bid. The opener has until now shown 5 ♦ – 4♠ shape  but the situation is an exceptional one because 2♦  bid precluded certain hand shapes. What hands does this one modest call comprise? 1) All hands with 4-2-5-2 shape without a stopper in clubs. The full range of power is possible: from 12 to 21 HCPs. The extra length transfer  bid approach does not provide any other call for these hands but the  bidding is not yet over. We will have an opportunity to precisely show show the  power of our hand. 2) Weak hands with 4-1-5-3 shape and no stopper in i n clubs. 3) Weak hands with 6+♦ – 4♠ distribution.

100

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

Sequence

1♦ 1♠ 2♦ ?

— 1♥ — 2♣ — 2NT

 Now: 3♣ 3♦ 3♥ 3♠ 3NT 4NT

– – – – – –

transfer to diamonds, showing 6+♦ – 4♠ shape; club fragment, showing 4-1-5-3 without a stopper in clubs; 4-2-5-2 4-2-5-2 – extra strength, heart values; 4-2-5-2 – extra strength, spade and diamond values; 4-2-5-2 – nothing special; 4-2-5-2 – two extra values values in power.

The above sequence show that any fear about the possibility to show  power was misjudged. A clear picture has now now been painted. 27.

K QJ 6 ♥ J ♦ A KQ 52 ♣ 9 8 3

♠ A

N

♠

W

E S

10 ♥ A K Q 5 ♦ J 10 9 8 ♣ 4 3 2

1 ♦ — 1♥ 1 ♠ — 2♣ 3 ♠ — 3NT  pass 3♠

– transfer to a club fragment, no stopper in clubs, extras in power.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

28.

1♦ 1♠ 3♦ 3♠ 4♦ 4♠ 5♦ 6♥

A 10 7 3 ♥ A K 5 ♦ A J 10 4 3 ♣ 3 — — — — — — — —

W

E S

2 ♥ Q J 10 7 6 ♦ K 5 ♣ A Q 6 4 2 ♠

1♥ 2♣ 3♥ 4♣ 4♥ 4NT 6♦ pass

3♦ 3♥ 3♠, 4 ♣, 4♦ 4♥ 4♠

6♦

N

♠

101

– – – – –

transfer to hearts, positive extras in power; how about a slam? cue bids; that’s all we can make; my beautiful collection justifies the further auction. Why 4♠? We do not know much about the responder’s hand. If we force partner to ask about key cards, we will show four out of five. He then will know everything about our hand. We call such bid a transfer to Blackwood  to Blackwood ; – within the negative 4♥  – invitational to play a grand in hearts, meaning – I need good diamonds.

102

EXTRA LENGTH TRANSFER BID

29.

A J 10 5 ♥ 3 ♦ A 10 4 3 ♣ A Q 10 5

1♦ — 1♠ — 2♠ — 4♣ — 4NT — 6♣ — 2♠ 3♣ 4♣ 4♥ 5♥

N

♠

– – – – –

W

E S

Q7 ♥ A Q 9 8 ♦ Q 2 ♣ K 8 7 6 2 ♠

1♥ 2♣ 3♣ 4♥ 5♥ pass

transfer to clubs 4-1-4-4 (4-0-5-4); agreement; enthusiasm; no cue bid in diamonds (which will show no interest in grand); two key cards out of five without trump queen.

5. TRAINING MATERIALS

30.

1♣ 2♣ 2NT 3♥ 4♣ 4NT 5NT 7♥

Q ♥ A Q 6 ♦ A 10 8 ♣ A J 10 8 6 5

N

♠

— — — — — — — —

W

E S

AK5432 ♥ K J 9 8 4 ♦ 2 ♣ 7 ♠

1♠ 2♥ 3♦ 3♠ 4♠ 5♥ 6♦ pass

2♣ – 5 spades and 16+ HCPs; 2NT – waiting; 3 ♦ – transfer to hearts, showing at least 5-5 shape in the majors; 3 ♥ – agreement; 3 ♠ – two shortages; 4♣ – cue bid; 4 ♠ – cue bid beyond the game-level promises a good hand; 5NT – asking for kings; 6 ♦ – I have the spade king (singleton kings should not be shown).

103

BIDDING QUIZ WITHIN A PARTNERSHIP  – W hands Bid 30 hands with your partner. My recommended bidding, together with some comments, are on page 83. Good luck! West opens on hands 1 – 10. W1 ♠ AJ 8 76 ♥ AQ 4 ♦ Q 10 7 2 ♣ 7 W5 ♠ K J8 75 ♥ — ♦ A K 10 9 7 ♣ K 54 W9 ♠ AK 8 64 ♥ 10 8 7 ♦ A K 10 9 ♣ 6

W2 ♠ K 10 8 7 2 ♥ 6 54 ♦ AK Q5 ♣ A W6 ♠ A 10 8 6 4 ♥ QJ4 ♦ A J 10 5 4 ♣ — W10 ♠ J 87 43 ♥ 5 ♦ AQ 43 ♣ K Q8

W3 ♠ J 87 43 ♥ AK ♦ A Q 10 8 ♣ 82 W7 ♠ K J8 75 ♥ K9 ♦ A 10 4 2 ♣ Q5

W4 ♠ A K 10 8 5 4 ♥ 8 ♦ AQ 6 4 ♣ 43 W8 ♠ A8 6 43 ♥ 952 ♦ AK 6 4 ♣ 8

East opens on hands 11 – 20.

W13 ♠ AJ 4 ♥ Q ♦ AJ 8 4 ♣ Q 9 84 3 W17 ♠ A7 ♥ A5 ♦ Q 10 8 7 4 2 ♣ A 10 9

W14 ♠ KJ ♥ AJ 3 2 ♦ AK 87 ♣ Q 65 W18 ♠ J9 ♥ A K J 10 9 7 ♦ 7 ♣ A 10 8 7

W11 ♠ K7 ♥ A J 10 2 ♦ Q J9 85 ♣ A5 W15 ♠ J4 ♥ Q8 ♦ K J 10 9 7 ♣ AQ J 2 W19 ♠ — ♥ K Q 10 8 4 ♦ Q 10 4 ♣ K J 93 2

W12 ♠ Q7 ♥ QJ5 ♦ A 10 6 5 2 ♣ K J5 W16 ♠ A 10 8 ♥ 2 ♦ A Q 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 10 6 W20 ♠ AJ ♥ AQ 7 6 52 ♦ A4 ♣ 9 82

West opens on hands 21 – 25. East opens on hands 26 – 30. W21 ♠ — ♥ AK 7 6 ♦ A K J 10 5 4 ♣ Q 10 8 W25 ♠ KQ 43 ♥ A2 ♦ AK J 65 ♣ 32 W29 ♠ Q7 ♥ AQ 9 8 ♦ Q2 ♣ K 8 76 2

W22 ♠ KQ4 ♥ A K J 10 ♦ K J8 74 ♣ 2 W26 ♠ AK ♥ A8 7 4 ♦ D 10 5 3 ♣ D 10 4 W30 ♠ AK 5 43 2 ♥ K J9 84 ♦ 2 ♣ 7

W23 ♠ 2 ♥ K Q6 5 ♦ AK Q 43 ♣ K J7 W27 ♠ A 10 ♥ AK Q5 ♦ J 10 9 8 ♣ 432

W24 ♠ 3 ♥ Q 10 6 2 ♦ AK J 7 ♣ AK J 5 W28 ♠ 2 ♥ Q J 10 7 6 ♦ K5 ♣ AQ 6 4 2

BIDDING QUIZ WITHIN A PARTNERSHIP  – E hands Bid 30 hands with your partner. My recommended bidding, together with some comments, are on page 83. Good luck! West opens on hands 1 – 10. E1 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

E2

K D 10 K5 AK 6 J 10 5 4 3

E5 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

♥ ♦ ♣

♥ ♦ ♣

AQ J 10 7 3 J 10 4 3 K QJ

E6

♣

2 AK Q 5 QJ 32 J 97 2

E10 ♠ 6 ♥ AK 6 4 ♦ K5 ♣ AJ 9 5 4 3

♠ ♥ ♦

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

E4

5 8 72 KJ 98 A K Q 10 5

E7

A9 Q 87 3 QJ 43 AQ 8

E9 ♠

♠

E3

K95 A6 KQ 98 Q 10 9 7

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

QJ K 10 4 KJ5 A 10 9 7 5

E8

A2 Q63 K8 A K 10 9 4 3

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

9 AK J 7 Q 972 K QJ 5

East opens on hands 11 – 20.

E13 ♠ 7 ♥ A9 8 6 4 2 ♦ 2 ♣ A K 10 6 5 E17 ♠ KQ4 ♥ K Q 10 8 4 3 2 ♦ — ♣ K Q6

E14 ♠ A8 73 ♥ K Q 10 9 6 ♦ Q 10 9 ♣ 7 E18 ♠ AK 8 62 ♥ Q 65 ♦ KJ8 ♣ 43

E11 ♠ A 10 8 6 2 ♥ K Q 87 54 ♦ — ♣ K6 E15 ♠ 87 ♥ AK 9 6 3 ♦ AQ 42 ♣ K 10 E19 ♠ K Q 10 8 5 3 ♥ K4 ♦ 10 8 2 ♣ A7

E12 ♠ A K J 10 6 5 2 ♥ — ♦ J98 ♣ AQ 9 E16 ♠ 6 ♥ AK 6 54 ♦ KJ2 ♣ A8 7 3 E20 ♠ K Q 10 9 6 ♥ AJ 6 5 ♦ A8 ♣ 85

West opens on hands 21 – 25. East opens on hands 26 – 30. E21 ♠ J 10 9 7 5 ♥ 32 ♦ Q92 ♣ AK 5 E25 ♠ A7 ♥ K Q7 53 ♦ Q2 ♣ A J 10 5 E29 ♠ A J 10 5 ♥ 3 ♦ A 10 4 3 ♣ A Q 10 5

E22 ♠ A9 8 53 ♥ Q 73 ♦ Q6 ♣ A J 10 E26 ♠ J 875 ♥ K5 ♦ AK 9 84 2 ♣ 5 E30 ♠ Q ♥ AQ 6 ♦ A 10 8 ♣ A J 10 8 6 5

E23 ♠ J 753 ♥ A8 10 7 2 ♦ J 10 ♣ D 10 9 E27 ♠ KQJ6 ♥ J ♦ AK Q5 2 ♣ 9 83

E24 ♠ K Q 10 5 ♥ K87 ♦ Q65 ♣ Q 43 E28 ♠ A 10 7 3 ♥ AK 5 ♦ A J 10 4 3 ♣ 3