Transfer Walsh

A useful tool to find 5-3 and 4-4 fits in and after a preparatory 1-opening is Transfer Walsh. Using this system, the 1-over-1 responses are switched around: Simply said, opener completes the transfer with exactly 3-card support, supports with 4-card support, and bids as if there was no transfer otherwise.

Accepting the major-suit transfer

This is almost forcing and shows exactly 3 cards in the transfer suit. Basically, the bidding has gone 1 - 1M - 1M. Game forcing hands can conceal the 3-card support.

Further bidding after 1 - 1

After responder virtually denies a 4-card major, opener has no need to bid one. The responses are:
  • 1NT: 11 - 15 (semi-)balanced, may include hands like 4=3=1=5.
  • 2: 11 - 15, 6+
  • 2: 11 - 15, 3+
  • 2/: Natural Reverse

    Alternative method for sorting out the minors*

    With this method you will place the 1NT contract in partner's hand, which is desirable.
    1 - 1:
  • 6 - 12 balanced
  • 10+ with , can have 4-card major if GF

    Opener responds as if partner has bid 1 - 1NT natural. After the signoff bid 1NT:
    1 - 1 - 1NT - ?
  • 2: 10+, both minors
  • 2: 10+, long , no 4-card major
  • 2/: GF, 4-card suit with .
  • 2NT: Natural invitation

    1 - 1NT: 5 - 9 with 5+

    This method can be combined with NOT using inverted minors and 2 as GF raise in .

    * Method by Micha Keijzers 1