The Stayman Convention in Bridge Bidding
How to find a 4-4 major suit fit after partner opens 1NT
The Stayman Convention is one of the first and most important conventions every bridge player learns. When your partner opens 1NT (showing 15–17 high card points and a balanced hand), a response of 2♣ is artificial—it doesn't show clubs. Instead, it asks a simple question: "Partner, do you have a 4-card major?"
Finding a 4-4 fit in hearts or spades is valuable because major suit games (4♥ or 4♠) require only 10 tricks, while 3NT requires 9 tricks but offers no ruffing potential. When you hold a 4-card major and enough points to invite or force to game, Stayman helps you find the best contract.
When to Use Stayman
Use Stayman (bid 2♣ over partner's 1NT) when you have:
- At least one 4-card major suit (hearts or spades)
- 8 or more high card points (enough to invite game or better)
- A plan for what to bid over each possible response
Requirements at a Glance
- Points: 8+ HCP (invitational strength or better)
- Shape: At least one 4-card major
- Important: You must have a sensible rebid over every possible response (2♦, 2♥, or 2♠)
The Bidding Sequence
Step 1: Partner opens 1NT
Partner shows 15–17 HCP with a balanced hand (no singleton or void, at most one doubleton).
Step 2: You respond 2♣ (Stayman)
This is artificial—it says nothing about your club holding. It simply asks: "Do you have a 4-card major?"
Step 3: Partner responds
| Response | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2♦ | No 4-card major ("I have neither 4 hearts nor 4 spades") |
| 2♥ | I have 4+ hearts (may also have 4 spades) |
| 2♠ | I have 4+ spades (denies 4 hearts in standard methods) |
Step 4: Place the contract
| Situation | Your Bid |
|---|---|
| 4-4 major fit found, 8–9 HCP | Raise to 3 of the major (invitational) |
| 4-4 major fit found, 10+ HCP | Raise to 4 of the major (game) |
| No fit found, 8–9 HCP | Bid 2NT (invitational) |
| No fit found, 10+ HCP | Bid 3NT (game) |
Example Hand
Your Hand (South)
♥ A 8 5
♦ J 9 4
♣ Q 6 2
HCP: 12 | Shape: 4-3-3-3 | 4-card major: Spades
The Auction
| North | South (You) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1NT | 15–17 HCP, balanced | |
| 2♣ | Stayman—"Do you have a 4-card major?" | |
| 2♠ | "Yes, I have 4 spades" | |
| 4♠ | Game! You found the 4-4 spade fit with 27+ combined HCP |
Common Mistakes
- Using Stayman with fewer than 8 HCP: If partner responds 2♦ (no major), you're stuck at the 2-level with no good bid. With a weak hand and a 5-card major, use a Jacoby Transfer instead.
- Bidding Stayman without a 4-card major: There's no point asking partner about majors if you don't hold one. With a balanced 10+ HCP and no 4-card major, just bid 3NT directly.
- Forgetting to plan your rebid: Before bidding 2♣, decide what you'll do over each of partner's three possible responses (2♦, 2♥, 2♠).
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