You mostly control. Partner has 16 points (+/-) and fairly balanced distribution. You decide what level you will play at, AND whether you will play NT or in a suit. Your partner may accept your invitation to game or slam IF he has a strong 1 NT opener, ie 17 points and some tens and nines - better in sequence.
Points: Partner has 16, plus what you have will pretty much decide.
- You have less than 6 (ie partnership total is less than 22), you have to stop it very soon. Your trouble is deep enough.
- You have 10 or more, you are going to game!
- You have 14 or more, you want to explore Slam possibilities.
- Between 7 and 10, you poke around and may “invite” for possible game if partner opened a strong 1 NT.
Distribution: The closer your hand is to “flat”, (4,3,3,3), the more you want to end up in NT.
- Flat less than 6 points, pass.
- Flat 8 points, invite by bidding 2NT
- Flat 10 points, 3NT
- Flat 14 points, 4NT inviting slam. Not Blackwood!!
Unbalanced Distribution
- If you have 4 cards in a major suit, use Stayman to try to find an 8 card fit with partner.
- If you have 5 cards in a major, use Jacoby Transfer to try for 8 card fit.
- If you have 6 cards in a major and no slam interest, use Texas Transfer to game.
It’s Your Decision: When Opener has answered your question (Stayman or Transfer), you pretty much know how many points the partnership has, and whether or not there is a fit. If you’ve got game, bid it. If you’re a couple of points shy, invite partner to go to game with strong hand.