Transfers Opposite 2NT by David Bird

A: 3♦. This is a transfer response, showing at least five hearts.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT. With 6 HCP opposite a 2NT opening, you want to play at the game-level.

Your partner's 3♥ rebid does not promise any heart support. He might still have only two hearts. You should bid 3NT next to 'offer a choice of games'.

Your partner will then generally pass 3NT with only two hearts and bid 4♥ when he has three or more hearts.

Your result so far:

A: 4♣. With 3-card heart support, you intend to play in hearts. On most such hearts, you would bid a simple 4♥ next. Here, though, you have a maximum with plenty of controls. You can indicate this with a control-bid of 4♣.

When partner has no intention of going beyond game, however strong you are, he will bid 4♥. Occasionally, though, he may now see that there is slam potential and bid accordingly. (It would be quite wrong for you to bid 4NT yourself, since partner might well hold only 5-6 HCP.)

Your result so far:

A: 4♠. You are strong enough to 'break the transfer'. In other words, you will insist on game, even in the rare circumstance when partner was intending to pass 3♠. (Note that many players treat a transfer response as forcing to game.)

Much more likely is the situation where your partner is close to considering a slam. When he seeds your transfer-break, he will be inspired to head slamwards.

Your result so far:

A: 3♦. You start with a transfer response. Most of the time, your partner will bid 3♥. You will then bid 4♥, having ensured that the contract will be played by the strong hand.

On this particular hand, it will make no difference if your partner breaks the transfer in some way. You will play in 4♥ anyway.

Your result so far:

A: 4NT. After your two-below transfer (if you agree to play them), you can bid 4NT as Roman Keycard Blackwood.

With a 2NT opener opposite, you need not worry much that you might be missing the ace-king of one of the black suits.

Your result so far: