Stayman Convention - Five Card Major Stayman

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♠).