particular meaning. The meaning is different from what is
normally attributed to these bids. A Convention can be part
of SAB (Standard American Bidding). An example is the 2
opener:
strong and artificial. The opening bidder could even have a void in
Clubs. A Convention is sort of a code that should also be known to the opponents. . . and of course the users.
The Stayman Convention is one of the most widely used bridge Conventions in the world. When Sam Stayman was playing bridge (who knows when) it was difficult to find a 4/4 fit in the Majors after partner’s 1 No Trump opening bid. This is what he came up with:
| PARTNER
Opens the bidding with 1 NO TRUMP |
YOU Have a 4 card Major. Does your partner also have one? |
.
This ASKS partner to bid his 4 card Major (if he has one). Note: the
2
bid does not mean that you have Clubs. That is what is normally
attributed
to the bid. The 2
bid is Conventional; it has a different meaning. | PARTNER OPENS
1 NO TRUMP PARTNER'S REBID
|
YOU RESPOND
2
The 2 |
; 2 
and 2 
are the
ONLY
responses to 2 .
w If you have less than 8 points and intend to pass partner’s
response to 2
,
then you must have support for all the suits except Clubs.
w Do not use Stayman with a 4-3-3-3 hand. Simply raise in No
Trump or pass.
w Do not use Stayman if the doubleton is very strong (two top
honors); and the hand counts to 10 - 14 high card points.
Play in No Trump.
w Do not use Stayman if you have 13+. Play in No Trump;
game or slam.
w Stayman can be used over a 2 No Trump opening (bids
are a level higher); and after an intervening double (by
partnership agreement).