Range Ask versus 4-way Transfers
Today, let's consider the benefits and disadvantages of two systems used to respond to opening 1NT (15-17HCP) bids. These systems are:
Range Ask and 4-way transfer
To review: Range Ask is bidding 2♠ with 8 or 9 HCP and No 4-card major. It 'asks' an opening bid of 2NT or 3♣ depending on the range of their opening NT. The 2NT response shows a variety of hands. It could be a weak hand with 6+ diamonds, trying to improve on the 1NT result. It could be a weak hand with both minors (at least 5-5) looking for a best-fit minor-suit part-score. Finally, it can be used with strong hands and a long diamond suit to explore a potential minor suit slam instead of settling for 3NT.
In 4-way transfer, 2♠ asks opening to bid 3♣ unless they have a special hand, then they bid 2NT (the bid in between the transfer request and requested suit). Similarly, the bid of 2NT is a transfer request to ♦, and 3♣ would be the 'gap' suit. Treatment varies with bidding systems. Bidding the 'gap' could indicate a super acceptance of the transfer (at least 3 cards and an honor), or it could show a minimal hand and poor support. Additionally, playing 4-way transfers means hands with 8-9 HCP and no 4-card no 4-card major must invite via Stayman 2♣.
For our purposes, we define bidding the 'gap' as showing an interesting playing 3NT: the opener thinks they can run 5 or 6 tricks in the club suit and are well stopped in the other suits. Comparing the treatment of the 'gap' bidding could be a future column.
Range Ask provides a strong advantage in that invitational hands don't have to go through Stayman to invite when they don't hold a 4-card major. These auctions disclose additional information about the opener's hand that aids the defense. Opponents won't know whether the opener holds a 4-card major. Advantage: RangeAsk
4 Way The main strength of the 4-way transfer is the chance to find a 3NT game with less than game-going values by uncovering a running 6-card minor suit. This can swing matches in IMP games and provide top points in Match. Advantage: 4 Way
Difficult hands: When responder has a weak (<8 HCP) hand AND both minors, itis hard to know where to play. Responder knows that an 8-card fit (or better) must exist because Opener will not have 2-2 in the minors. This assumption may not hold in your partnership, especially if you routinely open 1NT with a singleton honor in a minor. I personally don't recommend that bid, even though ACBL tournament rules allow it.
With the Range Ask, responder can bid 2NT to request opener bid 3♦ unless they hold only a doubleton in diamonds. Then they bid 3♣. Responder is happy to pass 3♣ when they hold a weak 5-5 hand, correct to 3♦ with a weak 6-card diamond suit. The disadvantage is that responder will declare in this 3♦ contract a minor inconvenience. When responder has a slammish hand, they make any other bid to show interest. Bidding a new suit shows shortness in that suit, and bidding 3NT shows interest in a minor-suit slam but no shortness. The opener can reevaluate their hand and make the contract. If the responder has club shortness, the bid of 4♣ has skipped over the 3NT game contract. In this case, 4NT is to play, and the disadvantage is that you are at 4NT instead of 3NT. Again, this is a minor disadvantage. Hands with slammish interest in diamonds should be able to take 10 tricks in no trump, but bad luck does happen.
If the responder holds 5-5 in the minors and a weak hand playing 4 Way, they are in a pickle. Which minor will they have a fit? Disadvantage 4-way transfer. Of course, how often does responder have a weak 5-5 minor suit hand, and even when they do, how often does 3 of a minor outscore 1NT?
Difficult hands #2: Responder holds KQJxxx in a minor and no outside entry into their hand. Will 3NT make, or will 3 of a minor part score be the best outcome?
Playing 4 Way, the responder can make a transfer request, and if the opener shows good support for the minor, bidding the GAP, 3NT looks like a very makeable contract. Range Ask players face a blind guess as to whether the minor contract or 3NT is the best place to play. If the responder upgrades to invitational values (based on the 5th and 6th cards in their suit), they may find opener at the top of their range but holding only a doubleton club. An opponent's hold-up on the Ace can prevent dummy from collecting club tricks. Advantage 4 Way.
Difficult hands #3: Responder has 8-9 HCP and no 4-card major. As discussed above, 4 way has to bid 2♣ Stayman and rebid 2NT to show: invitational values and no fit for whichever suit opener bid. However, this clues the defense into whether opener has a 4-card major (or lacks any 4-card major if they respond 2♦s). This critical information may be the difference between the correct defense and a contract-breaking one. Additionally, this artificial use of 2♣ gives opponents an opportunity to double for a lead direct. Additionally aiding the defense.
Summary
Overall, I find the Range Ask useful in many cases. Especially when you don't want to disclose the opener's shape or give opponents a chance to lead direct by doubling 2♣. However, the ability to reach a game contract with a sub-invitational hand, and its strength in 6-card minor suits, is too tempting to pass up. The disadvantage of having difficulty bidding weak 5-5 minor suited hands seems less than missing 3NT games, especially in IMP scoring. If you are overly worried about the lead directing double of 2♣, you may want to read up on the Deferred Stayman convention. That handy gadget will help you see whether your side has a club stopper.