Jacoby Transfers are one of the most useful conventions in bridge. After partner opens 1NT, this convention allows you to show a 5-card major suit while letting the strong hand become declarer.
Why Use Transfers?
When partner opens 1NT (typically showing 15-17 HCP), you might have a hand with a 5-card major. Without transfers, you’d have to bid your suit directly, making you the declarer. With transfers:
- The strong hand becomes declarer (protecting the high cards)
- The opening lead comes up to the strong hand
How Transfers Work
After a 1NT opening:
- 2♦ = Transfer to hearts (shows 5+ hearts)
- 2♥ = Transfer to spades (shows 5+ spades)
Partner must accept the transfer by bidding the next suit up.
Example Hand
Let’s look at this situation:
| ♠A95 ♥K82 ♦AJ43 ♣KJ3 | ||
|
N
W
E
S
Dlr: N
Vul: None
|
||
| ♠J8754 ♥Q3 ♦K76 ♣954 |
North opens 1NT. What should South bid with this hand?
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1 NT | Pass | 2 ♥ |
| Pass | 2 ♠ | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | — | — | — |
South bids 2♥ (a transfer to spades). North dutifully bids 2♠, and South passes with this minimum hand.
When to Transfer
Transfer whenever you have:
- 5+ cards in a major suit
- Any strength hand (weak, invitational, game-forcing, slam interest)
The transfer itself doesn’t show any particular strength—you’ll clarify later based on your point count.
With a Weak Hand (0-7 HCP)
Transfer and pass. Example: ♠J8754 ♥Q3 ♦J76 ♣954
With an Invitational Hand (8-9 HCP)
Transfer, then bid 2NT (with 5-card suit) or raise to 3 of your major (with 6+ cards).
With a Game-Forcing Hand (10+ HCP)
Transfer, then bid game 3NT (with 5-card suit) or game in your major (with 6+ cards).
Key Points to Remember
- 2♦ shows hearts, 2♥ shows spades
- Partner must accept the transfer
- The transfer doesn’t show any specific point count
- Always transfer before making any other bid with a 5-card major
Test your knowledge in the Jacoby Transfers Quiz!