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South African Texas transfers |
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This is a variation of Texas transfers that utilises the 4♣ and 4♦ bids instead of 4♦ and 4♥. There are a couple of advantages here: - |
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Both the 4♥ and 4♠ bids are available (presumably as natural). |
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Partner is less likely to forget. |
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So if you play South African Texas you have, directly after partner's 1NT opening: - |
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4♣ |
transfer to 4♥ |
4♦ |
transfer to 4♠ |
4♥ |
to play |
4♠ |
to play |
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Thus we have three distinct ways to reach our 4 of a major contract: - |
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1) |
Use a Jacoby transfer and then jump to the 4 level |
2) |
Use South African Texas |
3) |
Jump to 4 of the major to play. |
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West |
East |
Example 1 |
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♠ |
AQ6 |
♠ |
J109754 |
Here East is concerned with the possibility that if he transfers with 2♥ (or a 4♥ Texas transfer) then South may double for a lead and ♥'s may be wide open. A South African 4♦ prevents a double of ♥'s by South. |
♥ |
Q95 |
♥ |
76 |
♦ |
AK65 |
♦ |
Q |
♣ |
J52 |
♣ |
AQ94 |
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West |
East |
Example 2 |
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♠ |
952 |
♠ |
K6 |
This time East is worried about the ♠'s in a 4♥ contract but all's well if he is declarer. Playing South African Texas means that responder can choose who declarer is. A direct 4♥ bid prevents a ♠ through from North. |
♥ |
KJ6 |
♥ |
A109754 |
♦ |
AKQ5 |
♦ |
7 |
♣ |
QJ10 |
♣ |
A942 |
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Conclusion? |
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Having three different options to get to the same 4♥/♠ contract may sometimes be beneficial. One disadvantage is that you lose the 4♣ Gerber bid (it's not really that useful). So is it a good idea? |
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Probably, but standard Texas is more popular and fairly well established. Quite a dilemma. |
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Pattaya Bridge Club - |
www.pattayabridge.com |
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