How to Respond to 1NT in Bridge

Step 1: Count Your Points

• 0–7 HCP → Weak hand
• 8–9 HCP → Invitational hand
• 10+ HCP → Game-going hand
• 16+ HCP → Slam interest

Step 2: Use the Right Convention

1. Pass (0–7 HCP, no long major)

If you have a weak, balanced hand, just pass — partner already has 15–17, and game isn’t possible.

2. Stayman (2♣)

• Used with 8+ HCP and at least one 4-card major.
• Asks opener if they hold a 4-card major:
  • 2♦ → no 4-card major
  • 2♥ → 4 hearts
  • 2♠ → 4 spades
• Responder then places the contract in a major fit, or in NT if no fit.

3. Jacoby Transfers (2♦ → 2♥, 2♥ → 2♠)

• Used with 5+ cards in a major (any strength).
• Responder transfers so the 1NT opener declares (strong hand hidden).
• After the transfer:
  • With weak hand → pass.
  • With invitational hand → bid 2NT (5-card major + invitational values).
  • With game values → bid 3NT or raise the major to game (4M).

4. Texas Transfers (4♦ → 4♥, 4♥ → 4♠)

• Used with 6+ card major and game values (10+ HCP).
• Directly forces game in the major.
• Example: With ♠KQJxxx and enough points, respond 4♥ (transfer to spades → opener bids 4♠).

5. Invitational (8–9 HCP, balanced)

• Bid 2NT → invites opener to bid 3NT with a maximum.
• Or transfer + 2NT to show invitational values with a 5-card major.

6. Game (10–15 HCP)

• Balanced: Jump to 3NT.
• With a 5-card major: Transfer, then bid game (3NT or 4M).
• With both majors (5–4): Start with Stayman.

7. Slam Tries (16+ HCP)

• Use Stayman or transfers first, then explore slam with cue-bids or quantitative 4NT.
• Quantitative 4NT = “Partner, bid 6NT if maximum, otherwise pass.”
• Use Blackwood (or RKCB) if a major fit is established.

Summary Table

Bridge Conventions: Stayman, Jacoby Transfers, and Texas Transfers

Stayman Convention (2♣ after 1NT)

Purpose

The Stayman convention is used when responder holds at least one 4-card major and wants to check whether opener also has a 4-card major. Playing in a 4–4 major fit is usually better than in no-trump because:

• You may get an extra trump trick.
• Declarer often has an easier time handling side suits.
• It scores just as well (4♥/4♠ = game, like 3NT).

Mechanics

• After partner opens 1NT, responder bids 2♣.
• This is an artificial asking bid — it does not show clubs.
• Opener’s replies:
  • 2♦ → Denies holding a 4-card major
  • 2♥ → Shows at least four hearts
  • 2♠ → Shows at least four spades

Responder’s Follow-ups

• Invitational (8–9 HCP): If opener shows a major fit → invite game in that suit; if no fit → place in 2NT.
• Game strength (10+ HCP): Raise opener’s major to 4♥ or 4♠ if a fit is found; if no fit → bid 3NT.
• Slam interest (16+ HCP): Start with Stayman, then cue-bid or use quantitative 4NT.

Jacoby Transfers (2♦ → 2♥, 2♥ → 2♠)

Purpose

Jacoby Transfers allow the responder to show a 5-card or longer major suit while keeping the stronger 1NT hand as declarer. This hides declarer’s strength from the defenders and often gives a positional advantage against the opening lead.

Mechanics

• After 1NT:
  • 2♦ = transfer to hearts (opener must bid 2♥).
  • 2♥ = transfer to spades (opener must bid 2♠).
• The responder is forcing opener to accept the transfer.

Responder’s Follow-ups

• Weak hand (0–7 HCP): Pass after transfer is completed.
• Invitational hand (8–9 HCP): Transfer, then bid 2NT (showing 5M + invitational strength).
• Game-going hand (10+ HCP): Transfer, then bid 3NT (5M + game values) or raise the major to 4M with 6+ cards.
• Slam interest: Transfer, then explore further with cue bids, splinters, or Blackwood.

Texas Transfers (4♦ → 4♥, 4♥ → 4♠)

Purpose

Texas Transfers are like “super transfers.” They show a 6+ card major suit with game-forcing values and jump immediately into game, while still ensuring the 1NT opener plays the hand. This saves bidding space and avoids giving away information unnecessarily.

Mechanics

• After 1NT:
  • 4♦ = transfer to hearts (opener must bid 4♥).
  • 4♥ = transfer to spades (opener must bid 4♠).

Responder’s Use

• Shows a 6-card (or longer) major and at least game-forcing strength (10+ HCP opposite 1NT).
• Does not promise slam interest (otherwise responder would use Jacoby first).
• Example: ♠KQJxxx ♥xx ♦xx ♣Qxx → Respond 4♥ (transfer to spades).

Possible Extensions

• Some partnerships allow Texas Transfers with weaker hands (6-card major + 0–7 HCP) as a pre-emptive tactic.
• In standard use, however, it shows a long strong suit and game-forcing hand.

Quick Comparison