Smolen Convention: Show 5-4 Majors After Stayman

Smolen is a convention used after a Stayman start. It solves a specific problem: responder has 5-4 in the majors and wants to show it efficiently.

Typical setup

Partner opens 1NT and you have 5-4 in the majors and enough points for game (or slam). Some people just transfer to the 5 card then bid the other one. There is a different way to do this, commonly used, called Smolen.

With 5-4 in the majors (can have 5 cards of either major, and 4 of the other), start by bidding stayman.

If partner shows a major, great, you have a fit - end of story. Now bid game.

If partner bids 2D, denying a major, this is where smolen comes in - we want to show our 5 card major now.

A common Smolen context

• 1NT - 2C (Stayman)
• 2D (no 4-card major shown by opener)

Now responder jumps in the major they DON'T have 5 cards in. This is the main tricky part of smolen.

Typical sequence

1NT 2C
2D 3S

Responder jumped to 3S. That shows 5 cards in hearts (we jump in the other major). It's a bit like a transfer.

Where to next

• Stayman Convention: Find a 4-4 Major Fit After 1NT
• Puppet Stayman: How to Check for 5-Card Majors
• Bidding Articles Hub