[Liversidge]

We play transfers with 2S transfer to a minor (opener rebids 2NT, responder bids minor).
My partner opened 1NT and I had C AJ864, D Q93, H 6, S JT7. I transferred to show my clubs even though I had only five cards, because I was worried about my heart holding. Should I have passed?

[helene_t]

It's a guess of course but I would pass. That opps didn't bid hearts suggests that p has them. And 3c is two trixks more after all. In 1nt you are allowed to loose six tricks so even if opps take four or five heart tricks you may still make it

[yunling]

I'm afraid that I'm getting too old but I can only find 12 cards in the hand

[Liversidge]

Sorry, Yunling, should have been a fourth low diamond.😮

[Liversidge]

If I swopped a low diamond for an extra low club is it still a pass or is a transfer now right?

[Cyberyeti]

Liversidge, on 2014-February-07, 01:58, said:

If I swopped a low diamond for an extra low club is it still a pass or is a transfer now right?

What range of NT ?

AJxxxx and a Q and a J I might be bidding 3N opposite a 15-17.

When you say a transfer, is this a case where opener must pass over 3♣, or opener must bid, or invitational ? and what is 1N-3m

[Liversidge]

.

[Liversidge]

Should have said weak no trump 12-14. 1nt- 2s - 2nt - 3c/3d is the same as 1nt - 3c/d but results in the strong hand being hidden. Opener must pass.😦

[helene_t]

With your 8 points you have a decent chance of making 1NT. Transfering to clubs would be more attractive with a weaker hand - but then again, you can hope that opps will double 1NT, and then you can bid 2♣.

[Cyberyeti]

Liversidge, on 2014-February-07, 02:57, said:

Should have said weak no trump 12-14. 1nt- 2s - 2nt - 3c/3d is the same as 1nt - 3c/d but results in the strong hand being hidden. Opener must pass.😦

Actually no it doesn't, responder bids the minor in both cases.

2 things:

If you're going to play that opener must pass, bid 1N-2♠-3♣ with 4 diamonds, the weak hand passes or corrects to diamonds or punts 3N in the knowledge of a fit.

It's wasteful to play both 1N-3♣ and 1N-2♠-2N-3♣ as weak, either play 1N-3♣ as a semi invite (9-10ish 6CS) or as forcing.

Your actual hand is a clear pass, although if it goes 1N-P-P-2♥-P-P I'd be back in with 2N (minors) or 3♣. With the 6 card suit I'd probably do the same thing, but wouldn't crime transferring to clubs. Playing pairs, looking for a score, if you play the old fashioned 1N-2♣-2any-3♣ is weak with 4M6♣ I'd consider stayman, passing 2♠ and bidding 3♣ over 2red.

[mcphee]

I see players making a transfer to a minor with 5 cards and have yet to hear a good reason. The problem from your view was hearts, a problem which is your partners. The possibility that partner may have 2 small C and will be trying for 9 tricks rather than 7 seems like a big stretch with no real playing strength. It is not your fault you have been given this hand, but expecting to make a good thing happen without any knowledge is making a decision which is just not yours to make.

[Liversidge]

Thanks everyone for the advice. The consensus seems to be that I should have passed,which is what I suspected, but now understand why. When in a hole sometimes the best option is to stop digging.
The advice on using the 2S route to 3C for a weak hand with a 6 card suit and the direct 3C for a strong hand is obvious now that I think about it. Thanks again. I have found this site very helpful.

[Cyberyeti]

Liversidge, on 2014-February-07, 15:41, said:

Thanks everyone for the advice. The consensus seems to be that I should have passed,which is what I suspected, but now understand why. When in a hole sometimes the best option is to stop digging.
The advice on using the 2S route to 3C for a weak hand with a 6 card suit and the direct 3C for a strong hand is obvious now that I think about it. Thanks again. I have found this site very helpful.

Some people also use 2♣ followed by 3♣ as simply another way of showing clubs without saying anything about majors.

[mikestar13]

A simple way to play the 2♠ transfer: weak with one (six-card or longer) minor, or weak with both minors (5-4 either way or longer). Opener assumes responder has both minors, then rebids 2NT if he prefers diamonds or 3♣ if he prefers clubs. Responder will place the contract.

[Cyberyeti]

It's also worth thinking about what 1N-2♠-2N/3♣-3M/N is in this sort of sequence, a lot of people play this as strong with both minors, but there are lots of variations.

[yunling]

With a 3-1-4-5 8 count,just pass. You don't need a heart stopper to make 1NT, and there is no promise that you can find a fit.

With a 6 card club suit, it is probably better to sign off in 3C.