[mycroft]

A weird hand we had on the weekend triggered this question, because I run into several players who play transfers (of one sort or another) directly over NT.

So, 1NT-(2♥!) shows spades (or spades and).
Playing standard lebensohl, with penalty doubles, and working around the spade suit, what is double? What is 3♠ directly?

What if they're playing two-under transfers, so it's 2♦ that shows spades?

(The weird part was that the opponent Alerting:
- forgot they didn't play this against a weak NT
- explained it as Suction first, then as spades or spades and diamonds)
- Couldn't remember the minor they showed, were they actually to be playing the system (it should have been spades or spades and clubs).
Since we found the right contract anyway, there was no problem, but it did trigger the question!)

[MickyB]

Dbl = takeout, Pass then Dbl = penalties

[ggwhiz]

I would play that double shows hearts (5+) only promising competetive values at this point.

2♠ is T.O. only promising competetive values but includes 4-card heart suits.

2nt is standard lebensohl

and pass followed by double as penalty oriented with spade stuff if they happen to land in a minor.

Just off the top and others may have better methods.

[gnasher]

Against any method where they're promised one specified major which we can bid at the two-level, I like
Double = balancedish values
Their major = invitational+ with five of the other major
2NT+ = Rubensohl (In this case a three-level transfer to hearts would be either competitive, or a game-force with six.)

[Statto]

Some treatments you can pick and choose from: http://www.bridgeguy...convention.html - scroll down to "Specified or Unspecified Suits via Overcalls" for the 10 point list which is not mutually exclusive.