Stayman (Non-Promissory)
In this system, Stayman is played over 1NT openings and overcalls. Higher level openings and overcalls use Puppet Stayman.
When partner opens 1NT, and assuming no interference, 2C shows;
Opener’s Responses
Responders rebid
Examples
Note that since the Stayman bidder is no longer promising a four card major, opener with 4 hearts and 4 spades can no longer assume that the Stayman bidder has 4 spades if opener responds 2NT to his 2H. If be is happy to play in 3NT, he can show his spades at the 3 level but not otherwise, thus;
1NT (balanced opener 12-14)
2C (Stayman but non-promissory)
2H (4 hearts)
2NT (denies hearts, invitational to 3NT)
3S (4 spades as well as 4 hearts, invitational to 3NT or 4S) OR pass (might have 4 spades but lacking points for game)
What if responder is 5-4 in the mayors?
In general, he transfers to his 5 card major but there is one exception. If responder has invitational points, 5 spades and 4 hearts, he has no way of showing that using transfers (he can show that shape but in the process sets up a game force!). So with 5 spades and 4 hearts and 11-12 points, responder should bid 2C (Stayman). If opener bids either major, all is well but if opener bids 2D, bid 2S showing this shape and strength. Opener should now know precisely what to do.
Garbage Stayman
Suppose partner opens a weak 1NT and you have little or nothing (Garbage). You know 1NT is going down and at this point you are actually hoping that your RHO doubles so you can “wriggle” into Helvic! No such luck. Is there anything you can do? Unfortunately, the usual answer is no but have a look at the shape of your worthless hand. On a very good day, it will be 4450 i.e. four of each major, 5 diamonds and a club void. If that is so, bid 2C and pass whatever partner bids! Initially he won’t be impressed but have a think about it. If he bids a major, you have a 4-4 fit which is fine. The worst that can happen is a 5-2 diamond fit which is still a lot better than 1NT with 12-14 points between the partnership! Even with 4441 (singleton club) you are probably better off and it’s still worth the risk with something like 3352. It doesn’t come up often but when it does, it’s most gratifying!
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In this system, Stayman is played over 1NT openings and overcalls. Higher level openings and overcalls use Puppet Stayman.
When partner opens 1NT, and assuming no interference, 2C shows;
- Invitational (11-12) or game going (13+) HCPs (but see Garbage Stayman below)
- Because this system uses 2NT as a transfer to diamonds, Stayman no longer promises a 4 card major.
- Because we use transfers, it denies a 5 card major except in one specific circumstance (see below).
Opener’s Responses
- 2D denies a 4 card major.
- 2H shows a 4 card heart suit and says nothing about spades.
- 2S shows a 4 card spade suit and denies a 4 card heart suit.
Responders rebid
- 2NT is invitational and denies support for openers bid major (if he bid one).
- 3 of openers bid major shows support and invitational points.
- 4 of openers bid major shows support and game going points.
- 3NT shows game going points and denies support for any major shown by opener.
Examples
- 1NT-2C-2D-2NT is invitational to 3NT.
- 1NT-2C-2H-2S is natural (showing 4 spades) and forcing.
- 1NT-2C-2H-2NT denies spades (or heart support) and is invitational to game.
- 1NT-2C-2S-2NT is invitational to 3NT and denies spades.
Note that since the Stayman bidder is no longer promising a four card major, opener with 4 hearts and 4 spades can no longer assume that the Stayman bidder has 4 spades if opener responds 2NT to his 2H. If be is happy to play in 3NT, he can show his spades at the 3 level but not otherwise, thus;
1NT (balanced opener 12-14)
2C (Stayman but non-promissory)
2H (4 hearts)
2NT (denies hearts, invitational to 3NT)
3S (4 spades as well as 4 hearts, invitational to 3NT or 4S) OR pass (might have 4 spades but lacking points for game)
What if responder is 5-4 in the mayors?
In general, he transfers to his 5 card major but there is one exception. If responder has invitational points, 5 spades and 4 hearts, he has no way of showing that using transfers (he can show that shape but in the process sets up a game force!). So with 5 spades and 4 hearts and 11-12 points, responder should bid 2C (Stayman). If opener bids either major, all is well but if opener bids 2D, bid 2S showing this shape and strength. Opener should now know precisely what to do.
Garbage Stayman
Suppose partner opens a weak 1NT and you have little or nothing (Garbage). You know 1NT is going down and at this point you are actually hoping that your RHO doubles so you can “wriggle” into Helvic! No such luck. Is there anything you can do? Unfortunately, the usual answer is no but have a look at the shape of your worthless hand. On a very good day, it will be 4450 i.e. four of each major, 5 diamonds and a club void. If that is so, bid 2C and pass whatever partner bids! Initially he won’t be impressed but have a think about it. If he bids a major, you have a 4-4 fit which is fine. The worst that can happen is a 5-2 diamond fit which is still a lot better than 1NT with 12-14 points between the partnership! Even with 4441 (singleton club) you are probably better off and it’s still worth the risk with something like 3352. It doesn’t come up often but when it does, it’s most gratifying!
Back
Index of Conventions
Table of Contents
Home