Glasnevin Bridge Club

Checkback Stayman

This applies to two very specific auctions as follows;

1m-(pass)-1M-(pass)-1NT- pass-2C or
1m-(pass)-1M-(pass)-2NT- pass-3C

The club bid is Checkback Stayman. Opener has denied a 5 card major but could have a 3 or 4 card major. Responder has promised a four card major but could be longer. Opener has reversed into NT. Responder now bids checkback. By doing so, he promises
either that his major is a 5 card suit or that he holds 4 of the other major. He is “checking back” with opener to see if a major fit exists, either 5-3 with responder’s bid major or 4-4 with the other major.
Opener’s responses over 2C are as follows;
  • 2D says sorry partner, I have neither 3 of your bid major nor 4 of the other major and I’m minimum for my 1NT reverse (15 or “bad” 16).
  • 2NT Ditto but I’m maximum (17 or “good” 16).
  • 2 of responder’s major shows support (3 cards).
  • 2 of the other major shows 4 cards and denies 3 of responder’s major.
Over 3C the options are obviously more limited;
  • 3NT to play (no fit for either major).
  • 3 of responder’s major promises 3 cards.
  • 3 of the other major shows 4 cards and denies 3 of responder’s bid major.

Bidding the other major denies 3 card support for responder’s major so with both 3 of responder’s major and 4 of the other, give priority to supporting responderer’s major and show the second major on the next round e.g. opener has 17 points, 2C, 4D, 3H & 4S. The auction goes;

1D-1H-1NT-2C-2H-3NT-4S
  • Opener’s 1D shows 4+ diamonds and denies a 5 card major,
  • Responder shows 4+ hearts,
  • Opener reverses into 1NT 15-17 points,
  • Responser’s 2C is Checkback promising either 5 hearts or 4 spades,
  • Opener’s 2H promises 3 hearts,
  • Responder’s 3NT shows that he does not have 5 hearts so he must have 4 spades
  • Opener can now correct to 4S.

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