Five Card Major Stayman
As described by Australian Ron Klinger, it can be played with a weak or strong 1NT.
1NT - 2♣
- 2♦ = minimum, no 5M
- 2M = minimum, 5M
- 2NT = Maximum, no 5M
- 3M = Maximum, 5M
1NT - 2♣, 2♦ OR 2NT
- 3♣ = Stayman
- 3♦ = --> ♥
- 3♥ = --> ♠
- 3♠ = ?
- 3NT = to play
After a transfer, accept it with any 4333, bid 3NT with only two trumps, otherwise bid 4M.
1NT - 2♣, 2♦ OR 2NT - 3♣ = Stayman
- 3♦ = 4M333
- 3♥ = 4♥, not 4333
- 3♠ = 4♠, not 4333, not 4♥
- 3NT = no 4M
1NT - 2♣, (2♦ OR 2NT) - 3♣, 3♦
- 3♥ = 4♠, not 4♥
- 3♠ = 4♥, not 4♠
- 3NT = to play
- 4♦ = bid your 4 card Major
An alternative, simpler version of 5 card Stayman is:
1NT - 2♣
- 2♦ = No 5M
- 2M = 5M
This structure permits use by weak hands with 5+ diamonds and 2+ cards in each major.
After 1NT - 2♣, 2♦
- 2M = 4M invitational
- 2NT = invitational, no major
- 3M = 4M game-forcng
With a five-card major, responder begins with a transfer. After completion of the transfer, bidding the other major at the three level shows four cards in it and a game forcing hand, in line with the 1NT - 2♣, 2♦ structure above (1NT - 2♦, 2♥ - 2♠ = invitational 5♥-4♠).
Read more about this topic: Stayman Convention
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