Stayman Std : Bridge Online

index

The Stayman convention is used to find a 4-4 major fit after a 1NT or 2NT opening.
Responder ASKS opener for a 4 card major.

Stayman - 1NT 2♣
2♦ = no 4-card major
2♥ = 4 hearts, maybe 4 spades as well
2♠ = 4 spades, not 4 hearts

Responder must possess a 4-card major to use Stayman and the opener must reply.

Stayman is best considered as a 2-step process. First step is to ask for partner’s 4-card major. Second step is to show your shape and strength

Once you have discovered whether partner has a major, you can show your strength.

1. Game-going Hands

	♠ AQ98
	♥ 98
	♦ KJ52
	♣ T98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
2♠	P	4♠

You have enough for game with this hand, so tell partner. You have also found a spade fit. The best game will be 4♠.

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
2♥	P	3NT

Partner has 4 hearts so you don't have a fit. Bid 3NT as the best game from your point of view. If partner has 4 spades as well, she will bid 4♠. You guarantee a 4-card major when you bid 2♣.

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
2♦	P	3NT

Clearly no major fit this time. 3NT is the only option.

2. Invitational Hands

	♠ Q982
	♥ 82
	♦ KQ5
	♣ QT98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
2♠	P	3♠

You don't have enough for game, but you have enough to invite. You have found a spade fit, so invite partner to game.

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
2♥	P	3♠

You have no fit that you know about so just make the invitational bid of 2NT. The auction would be the same if partner bid 2♦.

3. Weak Hands

	♠ JT987
	♥ Q982
	♦ J5
	♣ 98

North	East	South	West
1NT	P	2♣	P
?

You need to have 9 cards in the majors to use Stayman with a weak hand. If partner bids either major, you can happily pass.

If partner bids 2♦, denying a 4-card major, simply bid your 5-card suit and play there. Partner must pass.

When not to use Stayman

Don't use Stayman to show 5-card majors. Transfers SHOWS a 5-card major, Stayman ASKS for a 4-card major. This difference is very important.

Have fun and don't give up just because you forget the first few times. Remember to turn transfers and Stayman on from the settings option on the main menu before you play.

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