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' opening to bid 2NT or 3♣ depending on the range of their opening NT. The response of 2NT is used to show a variety of hands. It could be a weak hand with 6 or more diamonds, trying to improve on 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 long diamond suit to explore a potential minor suit slam instead of settleing 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 that hands with 8-9 HCP and No 4 card major, must invite via Stayman 2♣.
For our purposes, we define bidding the 'gap' as showing an interesting playing 3NT, that would be that opener thinks they can run 5 or 6 tricks in the club suit and they 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 end up disclosing additional information about the opener's hand that aids the defense. Opponent's won't know if the opener holds a 4 card major or not. Advantage: RangeAsk
4 Way The prinicple strength of the 4-way transfer is the chance to find a 3NT game with less than game going values because of uncovering a running 6 card minor suit. This can swing matches in IMP games and provide tops in Match points. Advantage: 4 Way
Difficult hands: When responder has a weak (<8 HCP) hand AND both minors, it is difficult 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 might be challenged 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 it is allowed by ACBL tournament rules.
With the Range Ask, responder can bid 2NT to request opener bid 3♦ unless they hold only a doubleton in diamongs. 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 would be that responder will declare in this 3♦ contract; a minor inconvienence. When responder has a slammish hand, they make any other bid to show interest. Bidding a new suit shows shortness in this suit and bidding 3NT shows interest in the minor suit slam, but lacking any shortness. Opener can reevaluate their hand and place 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 reponders holds 5-5 in the minors and 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 reponder can make a transfer request and if the opener shows good support for the minor - bidding the GAP - 3NT looks to be a very make-able contract. The Range Ask players are facing a blind guess if the minor contract or 3NT is the best place to play. If the responder, upgrades their hand to invitational values (based on 5th and 6th cards in their suit), they may find opener at the top of their range but only holding a doubleton club. It only takes a hold up by opponents on the Ace to 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 which ever suit opener bid. However, this clues in the defense that opener has a 4 card major (or lacks any 4 card major if they respond 2♦s). This critical information may be the difference in correct defense to make or break the contract. Additionally, this articial use of 2♣ provides an opportunity for the opponents to double for a lead direct. Additionally aiding the defense.
Summary
Overall I find the Range Ask useful in many cases. Especially in not disclosing opener's shape information or giving opponents a chance to lead direct by doubling 2♣ However, the ability to reach a game contract with a sub invitational hand and it's strength in 6 card minor suit too tempting to choose it. The disadvantage of having difficulty bidding weak 5-5 minor suited hands seem 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 Deferred Stayman convention. That handy gadget will help reveal if your side has a club stopper.