Transfer bids

Bridge players, explain the point of transfer bids to me.

Typically there are 2 reasons: to keep the stronger hand concealled, and to have the opening lead come up to the strong hand.

For example, with opponents silent you and your partner bid:


1NT  2H (Jacoby)
2S   4S

The opening lead into declarer’s hand might well be worth a trick, and opps only get to see scattered strength with a string of spades on the board.