transfers over 1c openings

[jmcilkley]

I have seen several top players now opening 1c on balanced hands in the 15-19 range and use transfer responses. However, I have struggled to find much online by way of replying to this. I have managed to piece together something that seems to work ok to me and would be happy to email this to anyone else interested.

I would also be happy to hear from anyone else that plays, or is thinking of playing, this.

It can be used with any other bidding system but my version includes 5 card majors and a 12-14 no trump, multi 2d, Lucas 2s' etc.

[helene_t]

You may have noticed a thread about transfer responses to 1 ♣ : http://www.bridgebase.com/forums/topic/64982-what-does-transfer-walsh-do-here/page__view__getnewpost__fromsearch__1

 

But it is mostly played in strong notrump systems.

[ahydra]

My partner and I play transfers with a weak NT. Here's a basic idea:

 

1C = 1+ (4441, 4414, 4144; or 5+C UNBAL; or 15-19 BAL)

- 1D = 4+H, 1H = 4+S

- - complete transfer with exactly 3 cards UNBAL, other responses are natural (though this can be improved on)

- 1S = no 4cM (less than GF with minor(s), or BAL)

- - followups here get a bit fiddly: start with opener's rebid 1NT = to play opposite a 6-9 "dustbin 1NT" hand, others NAT, then consider perhaps 2C is a relay to 2D, maybe to play there, 2others NAT INV+)

- 1NT = GF club raise (5+C)

- - 2C = relay, covers all hands that don't really have anything else to say (e.g. extra values, or 2NT to show 15-19 BAL, etc)

- 2C = GF 5+D

- - 2D = relay as above

 

1D = 4+ (1444 or 5+)

1M = 5+

 

2-level openers can be whatever you like provided you cover the GF hands.

 

Open 1 of your 5-card suit with 5332 and 15-19 BAL.

 

The reason for opening 1D with 1444 is that if you open it 1C, you're a bit screwed after 1C-1H. Likewise you open 1C even with a singleton club so you don't have to rebid 2D on a 4-card suit after 1D-2C.

 

ahydra

[lexlogan]

I googled "transfer walsh" and got some bare-bones descriptions. Many players at the local club essentially play that 1C-1D denies a four-card major (call it Walsh Extreme) and it would seem sensible to use transfer responses if that's your style.

The basic issues seem to be:

(1) What does a simple acceptance of the transfer denote? Is it forcing?

(2) What do jump acceptances denote?

(3) What do 1S, 1NT and club responses show?

 

A very simple scheme would be to play that simple acceptance shows exactly three card support, unlimited strength, and is forcing.

Jump acceptances (1C-1D; 2H or 3H or 4H) are the same as standard raises by opener (1C-1H-2H 3H or 4H), promising four cards.

Other (non-acceptance) rebids by opener deny three card support.

 

Many variations are possible; simple acceptance might include minimum hands with four-card support, allowing jump acceptances to show extras.

 

For the other responses, I've seen 1S described as 4+ diamonds or 5+ diamonds or as a transfer to 1NT. The best scheme probably needs to consider what hands open 1C.

[jmcilkley]

Thanks for that. I was interested in this system as it goes well with a weak nt - the 1c opening includes hands in the 15-19 balanced range so that would include a strong no trump. Normally I feel that 5 card majors do not go well with a strong no trump but this may be the answer

 

 

 

You may have noticed a thread about transfer responses to 1 ♣ : http://www.bridgebase.com/forums/topic/64982-what-does-transfer-walsh-do-here/page__view__getnewpost__fromsearch__1

 

But it is mostly played in strong notrump systems.