Texas Transfers
By Bridgetastic
Quick Summary
Updated March 2026 with the latest strategies and examples.
Texas Transfers use 4♦ and 4♥ responses to 1NT to transfer directly to game in a major suit. They’re for hands that want to play 4♥ or 4♠ with no interest in slam.
The Basics
After 1NT:
Response Opener Bids Shows
4♦ 4♥ 6+ hearts, to play
4♥ 4♠ 6+ spades, to play
Texas vs Jacoby
Transfer Level Purpose
Jacoby (2♦/2♥) 2-level Flexible, any strength
Texas (4♦/4♥) 4-level Game values, sign-off
Use Jacoby when you might stop below game or want to explore. Use Texas when game is your final destination.
Example Hands
Texas to 4♥
♠74 ♥KQJ863 ♦Q62 ♣85
After 1NT: Bid 4♦ — Transfer to 4♥. Game, no slam interest.
Texas to 4♠
♠AJ9753 ♥4 ♦K62 ♣852
After 1NT: Bid 4♥ — Transfer to 4♠. Sign-off in game.
Wrong for Texas (Slam Interest)
♠AKJ753 ♥A4 ♦K62 ♣52
After 1NT: Use Jacoby (2♥) — Then explore slam. Too strong for Texas.
Why Use Texas?
Reserve Jacoby for Slam Hands
When you play Texas: – Jacoby then 4M = Slam try – Texas (direct 4-level) = Sign-off
This gives opener useful information:
1NT - 2♥ - 2♠ - 4♠ = “I have slam interest” 1NT - 4♥ - 4♠ = “Just play 4♠, partner”
Preemption
Texas starts at the 4-level immediately, giving opponents less room to interfere.
After 2NT Opening
Texas also works after 2NT:
Response Opener Bids
4♦ 4♥
4♥ 4♠
Same meaning: 6+ card major, game to play.
South African Texas
Some partnerships play South African Texas: – 4♣ = Transfer to hearts – 4♦ = Transfer to spades
This frees 4♥ for other uses. Partnership agreement required!
Texas with Both Majors
With 5-5 majors and game values:
♠KJ753 ♥AQ862 ♦62 ♣5
Use Jacoby (2♥ → 2♠ → 3♥) to show both suits. Texas only shows one major.
Super-Acceptance?
Unlike Jacoby, opener typically doesn’t “super-accept” Texas, they just complete the transfer. You’ve already signed off at game.
Key Takeaways
-
4♦ = hearts, 4♥ = spades — One level higher than Jacoby
-
Sign-off at game, No slam interest
-
6+ card suit, Long major
-
Reserves Jacoby→4M for slam tries
-
Works after 2NT too
See also: Jacoby Transfers (flexible version), Smolen (5-4 majors)
Practice What You’ve Learned
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