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Question
What is the Stayman convention, and what is it for?
Answer
Why
An artificial 2♣ response to 1NT that asks opener for a four-card major
Why
Its purpose is to uncover a 4-4 major-suit fit - which usually plays better than 3NT - before you settle in notrump.
Question
What bid starts Stayman, and does it say anything about clubs?
Answer
Why
2♣ over partner’s 1NT - and no, it says nothing at all about clubs
Why
The bid is completely artificial. It simply asks opener one question: “Do you have a four-card major?”
Question
What do you need in order to use Stayman?
Answer
Why
At least one four-card major, and normally invitational values or better (about 8+ HCP)
Why
You must be ready for any answer opener gives. With fewer points you have no good bid to make after the reply - except in one special case, “garbage” Stayman, which comes later in this deck.
Question
How does opener answer a 2♣ Stayman inquiry?
Answer
Why
- 2♦ = no four-card major
- 2♥ = four hearts (and possibly four spades too)
- 2♠ = four spades, denying four hearts
Why
Three simple answers cover every possibility. Opener bids the cheaper major first when holding both.
Question
What does opener’s 2♦ rebid mean?
Answer
Why
“I have no four-card major”
Why
It says nothing extra about diamonds - it is simply the “no major” reply to Stayman.
Question
What does opener’s 2♥ rebid show?
Answer
Why
Four hearts - and opener may hold four spades as well
Why
Holding both majors, opener bids 2♥ first. If responder was really looking for spades, they can show that on the next round.
Question
What does opener’s 2♠ rebid show?
Answer
Why
Exactly four spades, and it denies four hearts
Why
With four hearts opener would have bid 2♥ instead, so 2♠ tells you exactly what opener has.
Question
You hold four spades and invitational values. Opener rebids 2♥. What now?
Answer
Why
Bid 2NT - natural and invitational
Why
Opener did not deny spades, but you have not found a fit at this level. 2NT shows 8-9 HCP and no interest in hearts. With full game values you would jump to 3NT instead.
Question
Stayman has found your 4-4 major fit. How do you show invitational versus game values?
Answer
Why
Raise the major to the three level to invite (2♥ - 3♥), or jump to game (2♥ - 4♥)
Why
Once the fit is found, the auction becomes an ordinary raise. If you are thinking of slam, you will use tools you learn later.
Question
What is “garbage” (weak) Stayman?
Answer
Why
A weak hand - roughly 0-7 HCP - short in clubs that will happily pass any answer opener gives
Why
For example ♠4 ♥4 ♦5 ♣0 shape. Responder bids 2♣ planning to pass whatever comes back, turning a poor 1NT into a better partscore.
Question
Does Stayman apply over a 2NT opening?
Answer
Why
Yes - the same idea, one level higher: responder bids 3♣
Why
Nothing changes except the level. 3♣ asks opener for a four-card major exactly as 2♣ does over 1NT.
Question
How many points does responder need to bid Stayman over a 2NT opening?
Answer
Why
About 5+ HCP, plus a four-card major
Why
2NT shows a balanced 20-21 HCP, so game is close even when you have very little. With fewer than about 5 points, simply pass 2NT rather than using Stayman.
Question
Can you use Stayman after a 2♣ opening and a 2NT rebid by opener?
Answer
Why
Yes - 3♣ is Stayman, exactly as over a natural 2NT opening
Why
A strong 2♣ opening followed by a 2NT rebid shows a balanced 22-24 HCP. Responder treats it just like a 2NT opening, and transfers apply the same way.
Question
Why avoid Stayman with a flat 4-3-3-3 hand, even holding a four-card major?
Answer
Why
With no shortness there is no ruffing value, so a major contract gains nothing over notrump
Why
Why play in a major and try for ten tricks when 3NT needs only nine for the same game bonus? With a flat 4-3-3-3, prefer notrump and skip Stayman.
Question
What is the most common Stayman mistake?
Answer
Why
Bidding 2♣ without a four-card major
Why
If opener answers with a major you cannot support, you are stuck in a bad auction.
♠ ♥ ♣ ♦
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