Smolen Transfers

Introduction

A "Smolen Transfer" is a mechanism used after a negative reply to a Stayman enquiry. If responder is 5-4 or 6-4 in the majors and opener makes the 2D negative reply to show that he doesn't have a 4-card holding in either major, responder shows that he has a 5-card or longer major suit by bidding three of the other major suit. This ensures that the contract is right-sided, just as when standard transfers are used.

Smolen transfers can be used as described over the ordinary 4-card Stayman, though the only advantage over showing a 5-4 shape with a transfer to the longer major followed by a bid of the 4-card major is in right-siding the contract when the 4-card major is agreed as trumps.

When using 5-card Stayman, however, Smolen transfers are almost mandatory. In this case a Smolen transfer is used when responder is 5-3 in the majors and opener's 2D reply indicates no 5-card major. A Smolen transfer now right-sides a contract in responder's suit. With 5-card Stayman, a 5-4 shape can only be shown with a transfer to the longer major followed by a bid of the 4-card major, and the possible wrong-siding must be accepted.

Smolen Transfers with 4-card Stayman

Responder should use Stayman whenever 5-4 or 6-4 in the majors and with enough strength to want to play in game at least. If opener bids either major, the contract will be played in that suit. If opener bids the negative 2D, responder bids 3H with 5+ spades or 3S with 5+ hearts. Opener then bids and declares game in responder's suit if having 3-card support or longer, but with 2-card support only, opener bids 3NT.

If responder has a 6-card suit and wishes to remove 3NT and play in his suit, he bids the suit below his suit as a transfer. This lets opener declare the contract, which is usually beneficial. As an example, if responder is 6-4 in spades and hearts, the bidding might start 1NT, 2C; 2D, 3H. Responder's 3H is a Smolen transfer to spades. But if opener now bids 3NT, denying 3-card support for spades, responder can continue with 4H as a transfer to spades. Opener is commanded to bid and declare 4S.

Smolen Transfers with 5-card Stayman

When 5-4 or 6-4 in the majors, responder must transfer to his longer major and then bid his 4-card major.

When having a 5-card or longer major and exactly 3 cards in the other major, responder should use Stayman to find out whether opener has a 5-card suit opposite responder's 3-card suit. If opener bids either major (a 5-5 fit is by no means impossible), the contract will be played in that suit. If opener bids the negative 2D, responder bids 3H with 5+ spades or 3S with 5+ hearts. Opener then bids and declares game in responder's suit if having 3-card support or longer, but with 2-card support only, opener bids 3NT.

If responder has a 6-card suit and wishes to remove 3NT and play in his suit, he bids the suit below his suit as a transfer. This lets opener declare the contract.

A clarification

So that there is no possible confusion, I would like to make it clear that Smolen transfers only apply after a Stayman 2C enquiry has received a 2D negative response. If opener shows a suit with either 2H or 2S, a bid of three of the other major is not a Smolen transfer. Why would you need to make a transfer, since a satisfactory suit fit has been found? You wouldn't make a Stayman enquiry with a 5-card unless you were hoping to find a fit in the other major — you would simply make a standard Jacoby transfer.

In fact, many partnerships use a bid of the other major after a positive Stayman response as a conventional forcing agreement that the suit bid by opener is trumps, but you should check your partner's understanding before using that convention.

Agreeing to play Smolen Transfers

You will be pleased to know that there is no other recognised way of playing Smolen transfers. But if you want to be sure that your partner understands the convention, agree the following:

This description applies whether using 4-card Stayman or 5-card Stayman.

Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club