Exit transfers in bridge are a way of escaping from a poor 1NT doubled contract. This convention can be played with a weak or a strong no trump.
You can play this after 1NT – Double – ? and also after 1x – 1NT – Double – ?
Let’s look at the responses after the 1NT has been doubled…
| Bid | Meaning |
| Pass | Asks partner to Redouble |
| RD | Asks partner to bid clubs |
| 2♣ | 4 Card Stayman |
| 2♦ | Asks partner to bid hearts |
| 2♥ | Asks partner to bid spades |
Apart from pass…the responses are straightforward.
So after Redouble (RD) partner bids 2♣…if the redoubler now bids diamonds they are now showing a 5+ diamond suit.
Alternatively you can drop the Stayman element of this system and use 2C as a transfer to diamonds. It’s your partnerships choice!
What about 1NT – X – P – P – RD
So the whole purpose of this is we can get partner to RD if we think 1NT is making or if we bid on we are now denying holding a 5 card suit and are now trying to find a 4-4 fit if possible.
Let’s look at the responses:
| Bid | Meaning |
| Pass | Happy to play in 1NT doubled and RD |
| 2♣ | I have a 4 card club suit |
| 2♦ | I have a 4 card diamond suit |
| 2♥ | I have a 4 card heart suit and don’t have 4 spades |
The original 1NT opener or overcaller can now pass or bid their 4/5 card suit up the line. Bidding continues like this until you find a 4-4 suit or you have to settle in a 4-3 fit. If you bid correctly you will always at least find a 4-3 fit and maybe, if opener has a 5 card suit you might even get lucky and find a 5-4 fit.
If you play a weak NT then this convention is really useful to learn and master.
I’ve also done an exit transfers video.