User:Brian/Bridge/Rebids after a 2NT opening
See Responding to a 1NT opening for an explanation of the Stayman convention and Jacoby transfers.
This page should also be used after a 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT "delayed 2NT opening", which shows a balanced hand with 22-24 HCP.
Stayman sequences
If partner responded 3♣, it is Stayman, asking for a 4-card major.
I have 4+ hearts → Bid 3♥.
- If partner responds 3NT, it means they have 4 spades, 3- hearts, and game-forcing strength. Pass to deny 4-card spade support, or raise to 4♠ with 4+ spades.
- If partner responds 4♥, it is a sign-off. Pass.
- Any other response by partner shows suit agreement and is a slam try: either a control bid or Blackwood.
I have 4+ spades → Bid 3♠.
- If partner responds 3NT, it means their 4-card major was hearts. You already denied 4 hearts, so this is a sign-off bid. Pass.
- If partner responds 4♠, it is a sign-off. Pass.
- Any other response by partner shows suit agreement and is a slam try: either a control bid or Blackwood.
I have no 4-card major: Bid 3♦.
- If partner responds 3NT, it is a sign-off. Pass.
- If partner responds 3 of a major, it is a Smolen transfer, showing 4 of the bid major and 5 of the other major (oM). With 3-card support for oM, raise to 4oM; any subsequent bid by partner is a control bid or Blackwood. Lacking 3-card support for oM, rebid 3NT; any subsequent bid by partner is a quantitative raise.
Transfer sequences
My partner bid 3♦ (showing 5 hearts) or 3♥ (showing 5 spades) → Announce "transfer" and accept the transfer by bidding 3M.
- If partner rebids 3NT, they have exactly 5 of the major. Pass or sign off in 4M with 3-card support.
- If partner rebids notrump at a higher level, it is a quantitative raise and shows exactly 5 of the major. Pass or sign off in notrump lacking 3-card support, or sign off in partner's major with 3-card support.
My partner bid 4♦ (showing 6+ hearts) or 4♥ (showing 6+ spades) → Announce "transfer" and accept the transfer by bidding 4M. Usually, partner will pass. If partner bids again, it is a control bid or Blackwood.
Other responses
My partner responded notrump → This is a quantitative raise. Most commonly, this will be 3NT, to play.
My partner responded 4♣ → See Responding to Gerber.
