The origin of this conventional method is unknown. The designation can be either 1. Preemptive Transfer Openings, or 2. Preemptive Opening Transfer Bids. The designation Preemptive Transfer Opening is applied on this web page.

Parameters of the Concept

The preemptive transfer opening convention, in comparison to other preemptive transfer conventions requires that an opening preemptive bid be made in the suit ranking below the long suit of the opener. The preemptive opening transfer bid is generally made on the three level. The following diagram illustrates this action:

3 :	Preemptive transfer bid to 3 Diamonds.
3 :	Preemptive transfer bid to 3 Hearts.
3 :	Preemptive transfer bid to 3 Spades.
3 NT:	Preemptive transfer bid to 4 Clubs.

The inclusion of the 3 No Trump opening bid as a transfer to Clubs is a matter of partnership agreement.

If the responder has a suitable holding, then a bid 3 No Trump is appropriate. A suitable holding would indicate at least one stopper in the other three suits, and at least one entry to the dummy with the long suit. If this is the case, then the hand of the partner remains undisclosed, which provides a small advantage, because the strength and distribution remain unknown.

If the partner has no interest in pursuing game, then he will simply bid the suit indicated by the preemptive transfer opening. Depending upon the strength and distribution, and the number of quick tricks in his hand, the responder will either bid the announced suit, or jump one level, which is not an invitation and is non-forcing. The idea is that the responder will act according to the principles of a natural preempt.

On the other hand if the responder, again depending upon his length and strength, and distribution, decides to bid game, or even a slam, the responder will bid a new suit besides the one suit indicated by the preemptive transfer opening. The bid of a new suit by the responder forces the opener then to show an Ace, King, singleton or even a void, which is accomplished by bidding that suit. If the opener does not have an Ace, then the opener will simply bid the lowest-level of No Trump.

After having come this far in the bidding it must be noted that if the responder bids the long suit of the opener at any level or game in No Trump, then the opener should not bid again. The responder has become the captain and is setting the contract.

But, on the other hand, if the responder cuebids, then the opener is required to show a second feature or control, if he has one. If the opener does not have another feature or control, such as an Ace, King, singleton or void, then the opener bids the required number of No Trump.

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.