BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

Playing Pairs, what would you respond here after South opens 1nT (12-14pts)? YOU are not nearly strong enough to make a forcing 3 ♥ bid, so the normal option would be to start with a Stayman inquiry of 2 ♣ , and then bid an invitational 3 ♥ over a response of 2 ♣ or 2 ♠ — and a raise to 4 ♥ , if partner happened to show up with four hearts.

Using Transfers, you are able to describe your hand accurately without needing to ask partner about his.

After 1nT-2 ♦-2 ♥ , you next bid 2nT- and you have just shown a natural raise to 2nT with a 5-card heart suit.

This enables partner to play in 2nT if he is minimum, and to be declarer if he prefers a heart contract.