There’s nothing particular about “switch” bids over 1NT that differentiate them from bidding the swimsuit immediately, so far as security is worried.
Clearly, transfers permit a second bid after the switch is accepted, which results in extra sequences; transfers permit the NT opener to play the hand (which, with a powerful NT, is often a bonus),… however so far as “why would I play within the swimsuit as an alternative of 1NT”, it does not matter whether or not you are bidding 2♦ to play 2♥ or in case you’re bidding 2♥ which accomplice should go.
So, the query is: “how weak can your swimsuit be to nonetheless desire taking part in within the swimsuit to taking part in 1NT?” And likewise, “are there higher methods to get to a ‘higher contract than 1NT’?”
Usually, a 5-2 main match (that could possibly be 5-3 or higher, however assume the worst) will play higher in 2 of that swimsuit than in 1NT, as a rule. There are two causes for this:
- lengthy trumps at all times take methods; in 1NT you must have an entry to them after establishing them.
- lengthy trumps are also stoppers for his or her lengthy fits; in 1NT solely excessive playing cards rely.
As you’ll be able to see, in each of these instances, we’re involved in regards to the fingers the place responder will not be robust (so no assured exterior entries, and few stoppers/assist stoppers). Fingers the place responder has some energy, we’ll switch and invite (or bid sport) in NT with solely 5, as a result of with values that count on to make 8 or 9 methods, you’ll actually solely see higher outcomes (most frequently) with the magic 5-3 match. Observe: it is a main blind spot for a lot of weak(er) gamers – they switch and invite of their swimsuit with solely 5, and don’t perceive why that is flawed.
Now, bear in mind additionally that commonplace methods(*) can’t play in 2 of a minor immediately; the most affordable place to play in a minor is the three stage. Now, your swimsuit must be price 2 extra methods than in NT simply to interrupt even. Normally, with no exterior playing cards, that may be a 6-card swimsuit, however the hand within the OP is so dangerous that even the 5-and-a-singleton expects to take 2+ golf equipment if trumps, and zero in NT.
However that’s an exception – with even ♠Kxx as an alternative of Qxx, or ♠QJx ♦x, there’s an opportunity that the golf equipment would possibly arrange and be runnable, or at the very least, helps accomplice’s swimsuit run or blocks the opponents’ second swimsuit. If it does, 1NT could make, or at worst be off 1, however 3♣ solely makes yet another trick and scores worse.
Having stated that, there’s a greater name together with your 4=4=1=4 than transferring; Stayman. Sure, if accomplice bids 2♦ you may not be blissful (and you will in all probability pretend being 4=5 within the majors and bid 2♥), however you’ll get to a 4-4 match when you have one.
Within the feedback, we have now “look forward to the opponents to double, and run then”. And sure, that often works – you get to play the 4-3 or 4-4 match with the ruffs from the singleton. In 2♠ doubled quite than 1NT doubled. And that is 200, susceptible, even off 1. For those who Stayman straight away, they may bid, they may not double you – they may not be capable of double Stayman with “playing cards” the way in which they will double 1NT.
Bear in mind, the very best consequence with this dangerous a hand reverse 1NT is that they play the 20-20 misfit; after that’s taking part in a match and hopefully making it; then taking part in a match that goes down; then taking part in 1NT that actually goes down. 200 is known as the Matchpoint Loss of life Rating for a cause.
(*)Having stated that, the worst swimsuit I’ve ever transferred into was ♦8xx. Now, there have been a number of particular conditions that utilized:
- We have been taking part in a 12-14 NT.
- I had a 2 rely.
- I may make a 2♣ name that “could wish to play 2♦, or could have certainly one of a number of invitational or GF fingers, with or with out diamonds.”
- It was in a Swiss Groups match in opposition to both the very best or second greatest pair within the room, who I knew performed penalty doubles of 1NT in steadiness; however once more, won’t have a “playing cards” double of our Keri 2♣ name.
It may have gone for numbers, certain; however I knew we have been -800 or extra wherever we performed it after LHO bought to double 1NT; it was doable we may get out undoubled if I bid now. (LHO determined to overcall my 2♣, and bought to 3NT for -1 when she performed it higher than our teammates did.)
