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Competing at the 1-level

This part shares similarities with the 1 opening. There are also differences since 1 shows a long suit that allows further preempts.

  • Notrump transfers to clubs as its natural meaning is not very useful.
  • Unlike 1(X), there is no space for Transfer Walsh here.
  • Reuse 1(X)2 for Flannery because the rebidding problem persists.
1(X)-
XXNF BAL G/T, 10+
1MF, 7+, 4+#
1NT!TRF, 7+, 5+
2!ART, 5–11, 5+, 4+
2PRE, 0–7, 4+
2MPRE, 0–7, 6+#
2NT!TRF, PRE 7+ or FG 6+
3!INV+ TRF, 4+
3CONST, 8–10, 4+
3MPRE, 7+#

Spades below 3NT are transfer cuebids.

1(1M)-
1NTNAT, 8–10
2NF, 8–11, 5+
2PRE, 0–7, 4+
2!INV+ T/O, no other suitable call
2NTNAT INV, 10–11
3!INV+ TRF, 4+
3CONST, 8–10, 4+
4OMTo play
4M!S/T, ask for CTRL

Transfer Walsh only applies to 1(1), the only 1-level red suit.

1(1)-
X!TRF, 7+, 4+
1!TRF to 1NT, 8+
2!TRF, 6+
3!INV+ TRF, 6+
3!FG, 6+

The whole bidding structure leans toward hearts over (1). A well-known example is the negative double.

1(1)-
X!TRF, 7+, 4+
2NF, 5+, 7–11 or 6+
3INV, 6+
3!FG, 6+