Weak Stayman: Know When It Helps

Level four is going to be all about conventions that are worth using.

It is important to be selective with conventions that you use. It is best to be a minimalist, use less conventions than your opponents, but use good ones. 

Let's start off by improving stayman, since almost everyone uses it. 

The time to use it is when partner opens 1NT, you have a weak hand that is suitable for a part score only, but have both majors. 

Take this hand that came up recently.

It is VERY likely that playing in two of a major will be better than 1NT. Bid stayman, if partner responds with a major, great, just pass it. But if the auction continues like this.

Simply bid your better major, or if they are equal, just bid up the line - 2♥. That signifies to your partner that you have a weak hand in both majors and want to play in a part score, partner is expected to pass it, or correct to 2♠ if his spades are longer than his hearts (say 3 spades and 2 hearts).

It is important to have a proper discussion with your partner, and make sure you are on the same page with this auction. Importantly, make sure that after partner responds to stayman with 2♦, 2 of a major by you now is not forcing.

Why have I suggested this for the first article? The idea is to be simple, repeatable, easy to remember, and effective. I am intending for that to be the theme, rather than flashy and complicated. This convention ticks all the boxes. It will win you many many imps and match points over the years, by putting you into sensible contracts.

Where to next

• -> Next: 5NT Pick a Slam: Practical Partnership Agreements
• -> Related: Vulnerable Preempting: Risk and Reward
• -> Back to Bidding Articles Hub