RESPONDING TO 1 NOTRUMP (Part 1)

A. – a notrump game can typically be made when the partnership holds 25+ HCP. Opposite a 15-17 point notrump opening, responder should: • Pass with less than 8 points • Invite game with 8-9 points • Bid game with 10-15 points • With 16+ points, slam is a definite possibility With flat hands you will need about 33 points for a small slam. Hands that have long suits offer trick taking potential that flat hands lack. Therefore, responder should downgrade flat hands by subtracting 1 point (a flat 8 count should pass), but add extra points for suits longer than 4.

B. Simple Non-Forcing Stayman 1. Stayman is designed to uncover a 4-4 fit so, with at least one 4 card major, responder bids 2 clubs , asking partner to bid a 4 or 5 card major if he has one. Partner’s only responses to the 2 club ask are: • 2 Diamonds = I don’t have a 4 card major • 2 Hearts = I have at least 4 hearts and may also have 4 spades (with both, bid hearts) • 2 Spades = I have 4 or 5 spades but not 4 hearts 2. Stayman is used for certain very weak hands(Garbage), Invitational hands, hands with game going values and hands with slam potential 3. Responder’s invitational and game going hands that are 5-4, in the majors

C. Bids* Transfer bids guarantee that the stronger hand is declarer and that the comes “up to” rather than through it. Responder must have a 5+ card major and bids 2 diamonds to transfer to hearts, bids 2 hearts to transfer to spades. Transfers apply to: • Weak hands – transfer to the 5+ card suit and pass • Invitational hands – transfer to the 5 card major and rebid 2NT or transfer to the 6 card suit and raise to the 3 level • Game going hands – transfer to the 5 card suit and rebid 3NT or transfer to the 6 card suit and raise to game

*Transfer bids are alerted as “Transfer”

RESPONDING TO 1 NOTRUMP (PART 2)

Jacoby Transfer Bids * (continued) • Responding with 5/5 in the majors • Texas Transfers – apply to game and slam going hands with 6+ card majors • Transfer to a major and rebid a minor – natural and forcing • Super Acceptance - used by opener with 4 card support for the transferred suit and maximum points (17) • Long, Weak Minors – Use 2 spades to transfer opener to 3 clubs and responder will pass or correct to 3 diamonds

D. 2 NT Invitational – This bid describes a in the 8-9 HCP range and denies a 4 + card major

E. 3 Clubs or 3 Diamonds – These 2 bid are invitational to game, typically to 3 NT. The bid promises a 6 + card suit headed by 2 of the top 3 honors and no outside entry

F. 3 Hearts or 3 Spades – Shows a 6+ card suit and interest in slam

*Transfer bids are alerted as “Transfer”