Sunday, July 17, 2005 12:01 AM

Stayman - Major responses

 

PITBULLS:

 

Some Stayman understandings are required when partner replies a major. You may have a fit or no fit. With a fit , there is only one systemic response – the other major. With a fit , a jump to 4♣ is KCB for that major. A jump to 4NT is quantitative with no fit.

 

 Without a fit , bidding is natural except for 3♣ which is Re-Stayman. The other major shows a singleton and partner can ask where it is. Here is a hand from the Vanderbilt showing this system in action.

 

♠ Q109x  KQxKQ ♣ A10xx     opposite  ♠ AKxx A10x A10xxx ♣ x

 

1NT         2♣

 2♠           3 (1)

 3♠ (2)      4♣ (3)

 4NT         5♣

 7 (4)

 

(1)        Spade fit & slam try with a stiff

(2)        Where is it ?

(3)        In clubs

(4)        Love splinters 

 

 

2.2      1NT - 2§ - 2©

 

1NT     2§

2©       2ª       relay to 2NT   5 ª + 5 m, Game Invite

                        2NT  forced by opener; 3m = 5♠ 5m

2NT                 8 to 9 HCP with 4ª

3♣                   Re-Stayman

3                    5+¨, 4ª GF

3                    ©’s invitational

3ª                   © fit, some singleton, slam try  ( need a jump as the other major as 2♠ is a relay )

3NT     asks for singleton

            3NT                 guarantees 4ª

            4♣                   KCB

            4¨                   © fit, balanced slam try

            4NT                 invitational with 4 ª

 

1NT     2§

2©       3§                   Re-stayman                

 

1NT     2§

2©       3                    5+¨, 4ª GF

3                                fit

2.3      1NT - 2§ - 2ª

 

1NT     2§

2ª       2NT                 GI

3§                   Re-Stayman

3¨                   5+¨, 4©, GF

3©                   ª fit, some singleton, slam try

3ª       asks for singleton, Game Only

3NT     asks for singleton, Slam Try

3ª                   Invitational

            3NT                 guarantees 4 ♠

            4                    ª fit, balanced slam try

            4♣                   KCB

            4NT                 invitational with 4♠

 

1NT     2§

2ª       3§                   Re-Stayman

 

1NT     2§

2ª       3¨                   5+, 4©, GF

3©                               fit

3ª                               5 ♠