GBU Laws 7

Our methods	My Response
From Peter Maybury (query shortened) I would like to ask your opinion on a bid that my partner and I use: Over an opponents strong NT one of my partners and I have played transfers, ie after they open a strong NT, X = transfer to clubs 2C = transfer to diamonds 2D = transfer to hearts 2H = asking partner to bid spades Also applies in 4th position The bid is alerted. We have dropped the system temporarily rather than causing controversy but would like to reinstate it. It is not a HUM bid which seems to only apply to opening bids. It also does not seem to fall into the brown sticker category as it promises a specific suit. Note that unlike 99% of players, my partner and I always have a convention card available at every game regardless of level. Do you have a problem with it?	Hi Pete There is nothing wrong with your methods. But your structure is subject to a “Pre-Alert”. A Pre-Alert is made when you sit down against new opponents. You are supposed to state “strong and 5”, “weak and 4 with upside down carding”, “we play transfer reponses to our 1C opening” or the like. In your instance, you will declare the transfer defense (in brief) and the opponents can take a minute to discuss a defense to your methods, i.e. 1NT – (2C) – ? Double, 2D and 3C meanings can be discussed and formulated. They can ask you for a suggested defense. So here is what I propose you do: *Pre-Alert + show a section of your CC that highlights a defense structure.* Have fun with it!

Our methods

My Response

From Peter Maybury (query shortened)

I would like to ask your opinion on a bid that my partner and I use:

Over an opponents strong NT one of my partners and I have played transfers, ie after they open a strong NT,

X = transfer to clubs
2C = transfer to diamonds
2D = transfer to hearts
2H = asking partner to bid spades

Also applies in  4th position

The bid is alerted. We have dropped the system temporarily rather than causing controversy but would like to reinstate it.

It is not a HUM bid which seems to only apply to opening bids. It also does not seem to fall into the brown sticker category as it promises a specific suit.

Note that unlike 99% of players, my partner and I always have a convention card available at every game regardless of level.

Do you have a problem with it?

Hi Pete

There is nothing wrong with your methods. But your structure is subject to a “Pre-Alert”.

A Pre-Alert is made when you sit down against new opponents. You are supposed to state “strong and 5”, “weak and 4 with upside down carding”, “we play transfer reponses to our 1C opening” or the like. In your instance, you will declare the transfer defense (in brief) and the opponents can take a minute to discuss a defense to your methods, i.e.
1NT – (2C) – ?
Double, 2D and 3C meanings can be discussed and formulated.

They can ask you for a suggested defense. So here is what I propose you do:
Pre-Alert + show a section of your CC that highlights a defense structure.

Have fun with it!

The Pre-Alert