Stayman

 

 

(see also: Puppet Stayman and Smolen)

Over 1NT or 2NT opening, the cheapest minor bid is used to ask partner for a four card major. Partner shows their four card major (preferring to bid hearts if opener has both), or bids the cheapest denomination of diamonds to deny a four card major.

Example:

Partner Opponent You

1NT Pass 2 C (Stayman)

2 D = denies a four card major 2 NT (You must bid this after a denial)

or 2 H = I have 4 hearts - might have 4 spades too

or 2 S = I have 4 spades + I don't have 4 hearts.

Your responses can be:

2 NT - If partner bids 2 D

Pass - If partner bids your 4 card suit, you have a weak hand and you're not

playing Forcing.

Raise - If partner bids your 4 card suit and you have a good hand (10+)

Non-forcing Stayman: This means that after opener makes their response, a new suit bid by responder is not forcing.

Forcing Stayman: This means that after opener makes their response, a new suit bid by responder is forcing for one round.

 

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