Thursday, January 04, 2007 2:54 AM

Hand Evaluation - Puppet Stayman II

 

PITBULLS:

 

            Advocates of “Puppet Stayman” know that this structure is the best there is for getting to your major suit fits & slams after a 2NT opener. In a previous article , we discussed 3NT after 3 & the 4 level bids when responder has both majors. In this article , we will discuss the situations where responder just has one major but a fit has been found.  Since with Puppet Stayman you have confirmed spades as trump at the 3 level , you have idle 4 level bids by responder as  slam tries. This Puppet Stayman method to identify stiffs ( as opposed to a general Q bid slam try) is to use the “cheapest suit” concept as a general slam try . This means any bid that is not the cheapest suit is a splinter.

 

 

2NT-P-3♣-P

3-P-3-P

3-P-4-P            stiff heart    4♣ would be a general slam try  

 

The 2NT opener is Jxxx AK AJxx ♣AKx  so with the duplication of value avoids the 5 level for a spade slam try. Partner has AKxx x Qxx ♣1098xx

 

            After asking for and finding a 5 card major , we revert to the standard “other major” as a slam try in the first major. If the 2NT bidder bids 3 , 3♠ is a general slam try as is 4 after a 3response. Another suit at the 4 level is natural & does not deny a fit in the major.

 

            If the 2NT opener has a heart fit , most of the time she will bid 4♣ as a courtesy. 4 by responder transfers back to hearts but could still be forward going if responder takes control. 4 by responder is a last train slam try probably with a Q bid in a lower ranking suit. 4 is a stiff spade with slam interest.

 

2NT-P-3♣-P

3-P-3-P

4♣-P-4-P

4NT                      ♠Jxx AKxx AJxx ♣AK         opposite ♠x QJ10x KQxx ♣Qxxx