STAYMAN

STAYMAN

This is an artificial response of 2♣ to 1NT, asking the 1NT bidder to name a four card (or longer) major if he holds one, or otherwise to rebid 2♦. 3♣ over 2NT may be played similarly.

The term Stayman means nothing more than the above. It is open to partnerships to have additional agreements, such as whether2♣ promises a four card major, which suit is shown if both majors are held, what the rebids after Stayman are, or whether Stayman applies after 1NT or 2NT overcalls or rebids.

Promissory Stayman:

The 2♣ response guarantees four or more cards in at least one major. This can be shown on convention cards as ‘Prom’.

Non-Promissory Stayman

The 2♣ response does not guarantee four or more cards in at least one major. This can be shown on convention cards as ‘Non-P’. It is sometimes known as ‘Stayman in Weakness’.

Five Card Stayman

The 2♣ or 3♣ response asks for five card majors, 2♦ or 3♦ denying one. Sometimes the 2♦ or 3♦ response shows a four card major and opener rebids 2NT or 3NT without one. One version is often called ‘Puppet’ Stayman.