No Trump Opening

The range suggested for a 1NT opening is 15 to 17 points. However, you may change it to your liking.
You may also choose to make it variable depending on vulnerability.
In fact a strong case could be made for opening a "mini" notrump (10-12 pts) in fourth position non-vunerable.

Whatever the range, a no trump opening defines a hand very precisely.
Consequently, sometimes responder will be able to ascertain the final contract immediately.
In some cases responder will initiate an inquiry and with the reply, will be in a position to place the final contract.
In a few cases responder will describe his hand and let the opener place the contract.
Stayman is used to inquire for a 4-card major.
Transfer bids are used to let the No Trump opener (the stronger hand) declare. This often gains a trick or a tempo.

Stayman

Open	Resp	Rebid	Description

1N	2C		Stayman; asking for a 4-card major
		2D	No 4-card major; Responder bids as follows: Pass: weak hand and at least 4 diamonds 2H: weak hand, 5 card hearts, 4 card spades 2S: weak hand, 5 card spades, 4 card hearts 2N: invite to 3 NT 3H: 4 card hearts, 5 card spades and game force 3S: 4 card spades, 5 card hearts and game force	2 2
		2H	4 card hearts; may have 4 card spades ; Responder bids as follows: Pass: weak hand and 3 or 4 hearts 2S: to search for a 4-4 spade fit; opener will bid 3S with 4 cards 2NT: invite partner to bid 3NT 4H: 4 card hearts and game values
		2S	4 card spades; no 4 card hearts; Responder bids as follows: Pass: weak hand and 3 or 4 spades 2NT: invite partner to bid 3NT 4S: 4 card spades and game values

*1 The Staymen convention was devised by Sam Stayman ..
*2 This convention is called Smolen; it should be marked on the convention card and alerted

Transfers

Transfers are used to make the stronger hand the declarer. Consequently, they are beneficial with a strong No Trump opening.

Open	Resp	Rebid	Description

1N			balanced 15 - 17 points
	2D		Transfer to Hearts; could be weak or strong
		2H	2 or 3 card hearts	*3
		2S	17 pts, 4 card hearts, 2 card spades
		2N	17 pts, 4 card hearts, 4-3-3-3 shape
		3C,3D	17 pts, 4 card hearts, 2 cards in suit bid
		3H	15-16 pts, 4 card hearts
			Responder will pass or make minimum response with a weak hand

	2H		Transfer to Spades; could be weak or strong
		2S	2 or 3 card spades	*3
		2N	17 pts, 4 card spades, 4-3-3-3 shape
		3C,3D	17 pts, 4 card spades, 2 cards in suit bid
		3H	17 pts, 4 card spades, 2 card hearts
		3S	15-16 pts, 4 card spades

	2S		Transfer to Clubs
		2N	Preacceptance of the transfer; better than Qx in clubs
		3C	Jx, xxx or less support in clubs

	2N		Transfer to Diamonds
		3C	Preacceptance of the transfer; better than Qx in diamonds
		3D	Jx, xxx or less support in diamonds


	4D		Transfer to 4H (Texas transfer)
		4H

	4H		Transfer to 4S (Texas transfer)
		4S

*3 An improvement to the transfers by Marty Bergen published in the Bridge Bulletin.

A helpful hint on Texas transfers: If you are not sure if you are playing Texas transfers with a new partner,
bid 4D with hearts and 4S with spades. Partner will figure it out.

2NT Opening/Puppet Stayman

Puppet Stayman is used to locate an 8-card fit when the No Trump opener can open with a 5-card major suit.
It is particularly useful after a 2 No Trump opening, because of the lack of space below game.

Open	Resp	Rebid	Description

2N			balanced 20-22 points
	3C		Asking for a 5-card major
		3D	No 5-card major, but at least one 4-card major
			Responder bids as follows:
			3H: 4 card spades (may have 4 card hearts)
			Opener bids 3S with 4 card hearts and bids 4S with 4 card spades
			3S: 4 card hearts
			3N: no 4 card major
		3H,3S	5-card suit
		3N	No 4 card major
	3D		Transfer to hearts
	3H		Transfer to spades
	3S		Minor suit Stayman

	4C		Gerber

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