SUTLI is an acronym that stands for steps up-the-line. It is the ideal agreement for any situation in which you need to give partner stepped information about your hand. The agreement could not be simpler. The cheapest bid shows the weakest holding, the next bid shows the second weakest, and so on. If the last … Read more
Stayman is perhaps the best-known and most widely used convention in bridge. Responder uses it to locate an 8-card major fit after partner opens 1N (or 2N). There are many variations in use. The version presented here is quite standard, with the most common variations and alternatives given. The 2♣ Stayman inquiry is designed to … Read more
In classic Standard American, if you opened 1m, partner responded 1♢ or 1♡, and you had a 4c major that could be bid at the 1-level, you were expected to bid it. The corollary was that 1m–1X–1N denied a major that could have been bid below 1N. This treatment has gone out of fashion. The … Read more
If you are willing to play Texas Transfers over 1N, you may prefer to use 4♣ and 4♢ Satelink Transfers to 4♡ and 4♠. The satelink transfer shows a 6c suit with slam interest, probing as to whether opener has a suitable hand. After a 15–17 1N opening, it should deny a splinter. Opener rebids … Read more
In many auctions, clubs and hearts are connected (♣—♡) while spades are connected to diamonds (♢—♠). The links can work both ways. The most common is that a bid of clubs shows something in hearts and a bid of diamonds shows something in spades, but in some auctions bidding hearts shows clubs and bidding spades … Read more
Muppet Stayman is so named because it is modified puppet. It is a powerful convention that enables you to find all kinds of 4‑4 and 5‑3 fits after a 2N opening. Responder uses Muppet when holding a 3- or 4-card major, when holding 5 spades and 4 hearts, or when 5‑5 in the majors. The … Read more
Understanding Jacoby Transfers: Enhancing Your Bridge Strategy In the intricate world of contract bridge, the strategic deployment of conventions plays a pivotal role in communicating with your partner and manoeuvring towards a winning position. Among the myriad of techniques available to bridge enthusiasts, the Jacoby Transfer stands out as a fundamental and highly effective tool … Read more