Transfer and Shape Bids
Transfer and Shape bidding after opponents open a strong NT or strong 1♣ (precision) hand.
We value keeping the overcaller as captain of the auction in competive auctions. The transfer request allows that option.
Overcaller bids 1 below the suit intended to show; a transfer request; to show a competitive 6 card suit. The examples below apply after opponents open a strong 1NT. Strong NT is defined as have 15 HCP in its range. See TRaP bidding when opponents are playing 12-14HCP (or weak) 1NT
- 2♣ -> diamonds
- 2♦ -> hearts
- 2♥ -> spades
- 2NT -> clubs
Other very competive hands are two-suited. Applying Mel's rules of competing in NT, we wish to show almost all two-suited hands (5-5 or better). The bid of 2♠ shows Spades and a minor.
We find the use of a penalty double of 1NT provides little value. The only case the yield good tournament results occurs when opponent's are vulnerable and if you know that are prone to some questionable 15HCP opening choices.
The Double of 1NT shows either a two-suited hand in the minors or the majors. Partner should bid the minor they'd prefer to play and overcall corrects by bidding hearts to show they started with 5-5 in the majors instead of minors.
The final two-suited hand types to show are hands with 5 hearts and a 5 card minor. The bids of 3♣ and 3♦ show 5 of that minor plus 5 card ♥ suit. Since this overcall forces the auction to the 3 level, overcaller should have some extras in their valuation.
TBD: Bids after strong 1♣