Conventions in depth
Over partner’s 1NT, a jump to 4♦ or 4♥ transfers to game in hearts or spades with a six-card major.
4♦ shows hearts and 4♥ shows spades, and opener completes the transfer. Most Texas hands hold about 10 to 15 points: enough for game, and no interest in more.
Because the transfer makes the notrump opener declarer. The opening lead is then made into the strong, concealed hand rather than through it, often worth a trick, because holdings such as A-Q gain when the lead comes up to them.
What carries the message is the call that follows the transfer. Transferring at the four level and then passing shows game values and no slam interest. Using a Jacoby (two-level) transfer first and then bidding game shows the same shape with mild slam interest.
The strongest hand transfers at the four level as well, and then does not pass. With a six-card major and enough that slam is there even opposite a minimum notrump, about 17 points counting length, responder bids 4NT over the completed transfer, Roman Keycard Blackwood. The transfer has already settled the trump suit and put the lead into the notrump hand; the answer then decides between game, six and seven.
Texas transfers remain available over interference, whenever the 4♦ or 4♥ bid is still above the opponents’ call. BidMaestro plays them over the 1NT opening only — not over a 2NT opening.
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