Jacoby Transfer - Non-standard But Common Subsequent Bids

Non-standard But Common Subsequent Bids

Since a 2♠ response is no longer required for a weak take-out into spades, it is often used in other ways:

• In SAYC, the 2♠ response is used to sign off in either minor at the 3-level. It forces opener to bid 3♣:
  • 1NT - 2♠ - 3♣ - Pass with a weak hand with at least six clubs.
  • 1NT - 2♠ - 3♣ - 3♦ with a weak hand with at least six diamonds.
• Simple use of the 2♠ response is to split the traditional 2NT response in a precise HCP way e.g. for Acol (1NT = 12-14 HCP):
  • 1NT - 2♠ = I have a balanced hand and exactly 11 HCP
  • 1NT - 2NT = I have a balanced hand and exactly 12 HCP
• This has been further refined to include the use of the 2♠ bid as a means of transferring into a minor suit, thus for Acol:
  • 1NT - 2♠ (I may have 11 HCP or I may have a long minor suit) - opener rebids:
    • 2NT with a weak hand (i.e. 12 HCP) - partner then choses between passing or bidding a minor suit.
    • 3♣ with a strong hand (14 HCP) - partner then choses between 3NT, passing or bidding diamonds.
• An alternative method of minor suit transfers is to use 2♠ as a transfer to clubs and 3♣ as a transfer to diamonds.