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Stayman Convention
Stayman is a bidding convention in bridge, it is played by agreement in a partnership. Most bridge players include the Stayman Convention in their bidding system. This bid is an artificial bid used by a partnership to find a 4-4 or 5-3 trump fit in a major suit. After the opener makes a one notrump (1NT) opening bid or an opening 2NT bid and a 1NT overcall.
The Issue
How can my partner and I explore and find if we have a four card Major Suit fit after my partner has opened 1NT?
Explanation
The purpose of the Stayman is to find a Major Suit Fit if it exists.
The success rate for a game contract in a major suit when a partnership has a combined holding of 26 points and an eight card fit in a Major suit is around 80%, as opposed to a game contract in 3NT with 26 high card points (HCP) which succeeds at a rate of only 60%. Also a game contract bid and made in a major suit scores better than a game contract bid and made in a minor suit or in notrump.
How does responder ask Opener about their Major Suit Cards
After an opening bid or an overcall of 1NT (2NT), responder bids an artificial 2♣ asking if the opener holds a four or more cards in a major suit. This club bid from you promises partner four cards in at least one if not both of the major suits as well as the strength to continue bidding after partner’s response to your bid.
Requirements for making the 2C Stayman differ depending the bidding system you are using
Standard American
You need at least 8 HCP in SAYC for an Stayman Convention bid opposite a standard strong 1NT opening or overcall showing 15-17 HCP
Acol
You need 11 HCP opposite a weak notrump of 12-14 HCP
Exercise
Your partner opens the bidding 1NT and you ask about their Major suit holding by bidding 2C. Your partner answers you 2H. What is your next bid?
- ♠ Q 9 7 6
- ♥ A J 9 4
- ♦ A Q 8
- ♣ 8 3
Answer: You bid 4H. Your partner has a 4 card Heart suit and you have enough points to be in Game Hearts