“Texas Transfers” vs “Jacoby Transfers”

A “ ” is a transfer bid used by a Responder following either a 1-NT or a 2-NT opening bid by one’s Partner. It is an extension of the “ ” convention, enabling the No- Opener to become Declarer when the Responder holds six or more cards in either and wishes to at least bid game, knowing that Opener can hold no fewer than 2-pieces of the desired Major. With game-level or slam-level holdings when using “ Texas Transfers ,” Responder’s jump to “ 4D ” requires Opener to bid 4H , and a jump by Responder to “ 4H ” requires Opener to bid 4S . This not only allows the stronger hand to remain unexposed, but, additionally, minimizes potential, obstructive interference from the Opponents, and facilitates certain slam bidding sequences, as well. “ Texas Transfer ” bids, like “Jacoby Transfer ” bids, are denoted in “ blue ” on the and, thus, require a different verbalization by the Opener, in this case, the word “ transfer ,” rather than an “ alert ” call.

“Jacoby Transfer” and “Texas Transfer” Bids Following Interference

Subsequent to a 1-NT opening, “ Jacoby Transfers ” are off following any 2-level suit interference calls (Example 1). But, Responder’s “ Texas Transfer” bids are still on if the interference is 3C or below, and off if the interference is 3D or higher (Examples 2 and 3).

Examples: (1) 1-NT – (2C/2D) – 2H (Natural, to play and – 2S (Natural, to play (2) 1-NT – (2C to 3C) – “4D” (A “ Texas Transfer ” to 4H) and - “4H” (A “ Texas Transfer ” to 4S) (3) 1-NT – (3D or higher) – 4H (Natural, to Play) and – 4S (Natural, to Play)

Defense Against a “Texas Transfer” Call

The standard defense, following a “ Texas Transfer ” bid by one’s Opponents is as follows:

1-NT --- (“Pass”) --- (“4D”or“4H”) --- (“?”)

a. A “ double” is one-suited, and is “ lead-directing ” b. A “4-NT ” call is for the Minors c. A 4-level bid of Responder’s asked-for, suit is a take-out, “Michaels Cue- bid ” for the two referenced suits d. A “ delayed double ” after Opener accepts the transfer is a three-suited take- out

Using a Delayed “Texas Transfer”

With the acknowledged understanding that a 4-4 Major suit game-level contract usually plays better than a 5-3 or 6-2 Major suit game-level contract, a so-called Delayed “Texas Transfer ” sequence can be employed seeking, firstly, a preferred 4-4 fit, if one is available, by means of an initial use of “ Stayman ,” followed by a fall-back “ Texas Transfer ” sequence to a known 6-2 or 6-3 Major suit fit, if the 4-4 fit is not initially uncovered.

Example: 1-NT – “2C” – “2D” – “4D”(“4H”) – 4H(4S)

1 Responder, here, holds game values, four pieces of one of the Major suits, and 6 or more pieces of the alternate Major. Having failed to find Opener with a possible 4-4 fit by virtue of Opener’s “ 2D ” response to Responder’s initial “Stayman ,” “2C ” call, Responder can now use a 4-level “ Texas Transfer ” to make Opener the Declarer in the known 6-2 or 6-3 final game-level contract.

“Jacoby Transfers” vs. “Texas Transfers”

With game-values and a 6-card or longer Major suit holding, Responder has the option of employing either a 2-level “Jacoby Transfer ” sequence, or a 4-level “ Texas Transfer ” sequence, to reach a desired, final, game-level, 4H or 4S contract. The treatments are similar, but there is one benefit that results from Responder having the availability and use of either of these two conventions.

The duplicity of techniques by which a Major suit game-level contract can be achieved, carries with it the generally-accepted understanding that Responder’s “ Texas Transfer ” sequence, followed by a game-level bid shows that Responder holds 11-15 HCP’s, and does not carry with it the potential for a Slam.

Using a “ Texas Transfer ” followed by a “ Pass ” becomes the only way to force a sign-off game. It shows game values with a 6 card or longer major suit holding and no Slam potential .

1-NT – “4D”(“4H”) – 4H(4S) – Pass ------

On the other hand, the use of a “Jacoby Transfer ” sequence, followed by a game-level bid, shows that Responder holds 16 (+) HCP’s, and caries with it an invitation for the No-Trump opening bidder to seek Slam, if the Opener holds a maximum HCP initial No-Trump holding and, therefore, deems it plausible that a Slam might be present.

1-NT – “2D”(“2H”) - 2H(2S) – 4H(4S) - ?

Interpretation of a “4-NT” Call Susequent to Both Transfer Sequences

The meaning of the follow-up bid of “ 4-NT ,” subsequent to a game-level Major suit contract having been achieved via the use of a “Jacoby Transfer ,” sequence is, by consensus, different than the use of a follow-up bid of “ 4-NT ” subsequent to a “ Texas Transfer ” sequence. In both instances, Responder holds no fewer than game-values, but the inference of any subsequent “4-NT ” bid differs.

1-NT – “2D”(“2H”) - 2H(2S) - “4-NT”

After a “Jacoby Transfer ” sequence, the consensus is that a bid of “ 4-NT ” is quantitative . It asks Opener to either: (a) “Pass” with a minimum No-Trump opening count and 2 trump pieces (b) Bid 5H (5S) with a minimum No-Trump opening count and 3 (+) trump pieces (c) Bid 6-NT - with a maximum No-Trump opening count and 2 trump pieces (d) Bid 6H (6S) - with a maximum No-Trump opening count and 3 (+) trump pieces

1-NT – “4D”(“4H”) – 4H(4S) - “4-NT”

After a “Texas Transfer ” sequence, the consensus is that a bid of “ 4-NT ” is conventional (“Blackwood”) . Opener, here, may not pass , since it is Ace-Asking and Opener is forced to respond to the Ace-Asking request with any agreed-to variation of Blackwood; i.e., either regular Blackwood, else Roman Keycard Blackwood (0314 or 1430).

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