Jacoby Transfers

         After a 1NT opening, a bid of 2 or 2 is a Jacoby transfer:

1NT — 2:     Shows a 5-card heart suit. Opener is required to bid 2.   2: Shows a 5-card spade suit. Opener is required to bid 2.

Such a bid promises no strength whatsoever.

         After opener accepts the Jacoby transfer, you should proceed as follows:

       Minimum Hands (0-8 Points).      Simply pass the transfer:

1NT — 2 — 2 — Pass:     0-8 Points and at least 5 hearts.

It is lucky that you have a 5-card major: with a 5-card minor suit, you would have been forced to pass the 1NT opening!

       Stonger Hands (8+ Points).      With a stronger hand, you need to worry about game. If you have a 5-card suit, this is complicated by the fact that your partner may not have 3-card support. Here's the system:

1NT — 2 — 2 — 4:     Shows 10+ Points and a 6-card suit.              (Opener should pass.)   3NT:  Shows 10+ Points and a 5-card suit.               (Opener should bid 4 with 3-card support.)   3:  Shows 8 or 9 points and a 6-card suit.               (Opener should bid 4 with 16-17 HCP.)   2NT:  Shows 8 or 9 points and a 5-card suit.              (Opener should pass or bid 3, 3NT, or 4.)