The concept of NAMYATS is based on the action of bidding a transfer bid on the four level. Owing to the fact that the consumed bidding space does not allow many opportunities for the opposing side to compete in the auction, any defense method is based on the fact that a fit must be found as quickly as possible.

Concept and Parameters

In oder to accomplish an instant communication to partner when deciding to compete over either a 4 Clubs bid (transfer to Hearts) or 4 Diamonds (transfer to Spades), then the most descriptive bid or call must be made. Following is a recommended defense method, which can be altered to fit any partnership agreement. The fundamental principles, however, should always be in effect.

Double:	A double serves as a takeout double for the other Major suit not indicated or promised by the NAMYATS bid.
Bidding suit:	An opening bid of 4 Clubs promises Hearts. By entering the auction with the in-between suit promises that suit and the next highest suit. West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By bidding the in-between suit (Diamonds) South promises the equivalent of a two-suited holding, showing the suit bid and the suit above the transfer suit, namely Diamonds and Spades.
	South KQJ10 4 AKJ876 754 4
	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Diamonds, which is a transfer bid to Spades. By bidding the in-between suit (Hearts) South promises the equivalent of a two-suited holding, showing the suit bid and the suit above the transfer suit, namely Hearts and Clubs.
	South 4 KQJ10 754 AKJ876 4
Cuebid:	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By cue-bidding the transfer bid South promises a one-suited holding in one of the other non-implied suits, namely either Clubs, Diamonds, or Spades.
	South KQ 4 AKJ98763 76 4
	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Spades. By cue-bidding the transfer bid South promises a one-suited holding in one of the other non-implied suits, namely either Clubs, Diamonds, or Hearts.
	South KQ AKJ98763 76 4 4
Bid other Major:	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By bidding the other, non-implied Major suit (Spades) South promises a two-suited holding in Spades and the next lowest suit, namely Clubs.
	South KQ AKJ98763 76 4 4
	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Diamonds, which is a transfer bid to Spades. By bidding the other, non-implied Major suit (Hearts) South promises a two-suited holding in Clubs and the next lowest suit, namely Diamonds.
	South KQ AKJ98763 76 4 4
4 NT:	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By bidding 4 No Trump South promises the two lower unbid suits, namely Clubs and Diamonds.
	South KQ AKJ98763 76 4 4 NT
	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Diamonds, which is a transfer bid to Spades. By bidding 4 No Trump South promises the two lower unbid suits, namely Diamonds and Hearts.
	South KQ AKJ98763 76 4 4 NT
4 :	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By bidding 4 Diamonds South promises a one-suited holding in Diamonds. The holding is weaker than the two-suited holdings and the bid is absolutely natural. The holding may contain a void, especially in the NAMYATS suit.
	South QJ10   AKJ98763 64 4
4 :	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Diamonds, which is a transfer bid to Spades. By bidding 4 Hearts South promises a one-suited holding in Hearts. The holding is weaker than the two-suited holdings and the bid is absolutely natural. The holding may contain a void, especially in the NAMYATS suit.
	South   AKJ98763 QJ10 64 4
4 :	West opens the bidding with a NAMYATS bid of 4 Clubs, which is a transfer bid to Hearts. By bidding 4 Spades South promises a one-suited holding in Spades. The holding is weaker than the two-suited holdings and the bid is absolutely natural. The holding may contain a void, especially in the NAMYATS suit.
	South AKJ98763   QJ10 64 4

When the NAMYATS transfer bid has been made, and the next player of the opposing side passes, then the responder completes the transfer. However, the next player in rotation, from the opposing side, can enter the auction competitively by following the outlined guidelines presented below.
	Opponent		Overcaller		Meaning
1.	NAMYATS		Double		The double is optional and the partnership decides whether the call is for penalty or forcing.
2.	NAMYATS		4 NT		The competitive bid of 4 No Trump is takeout. The opposing side has already completed the transfer, and if the opposing side wishes to continue competing, then the opposing side must do so on the five level.
3.	NAMYATS		Suit bid		Any suit bid over the completed transfer bid is natural.

 

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.