By Peter Rhead
The Stayman dilemma – a five-card major
In past columns we have talked about the Stayman convention that you use to respond to partner’s One No-Trump (1NT) opening to try to find a major suit eight-card fit. Today’s column continues the discussion when you have choices and you are uncertain which one to choose.
You always have eight or more points for today’s conversation. After partner’s 1NT opening (15-17 points), your first priority is to find out if you have an eight-card major fit. If you have 4-4 or 4-3 in the majors, your Two-Club Stayman response is straight forward. But what if you have 5-4 in the majors? A transfer to the five-card major is one option but not the best option. You are better to bid Two-Clubs Stayman and see how opener responds. If opener bids either major, you are off to the races. With 8-9 points you invite the major game at the three level. With ten or more points, you bid immediately the major at the game level or consider a slam bid sequence if you have extra points.
However, if opener responds Two Diamonds denying a four-card major, then you bid your five-card major showing partner that since you did not transfer, you are 5-4 in the majors. Opening partner might have three cards in your five-card major. He shows support for you by inviting at the three level. Otherwise opening partner bids 2NT inviting you to go to the 3NT game if you have ten points of more.
Note: Some partnerships, after opener’s Two Diamond bid denying a four-card major, do a transfer to the five-card major by bidding the four-card major. This sequence keeps the big hand hidden while showing a 5-4 distribution.
With 5-5 in the majors, forget Stayman. Transfer first to Spades by bidding Two Hearts. If partner does not support Spades, then you bid Three Hearts to show partner you are at least 5-5 in the majors.
For additional information, read More About Stayman in Barbara Seagram’s 25 More Bridge Conventions, page 75
Next Week: The Stayman Dilemma – Garbage Stayman
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to [email protected] and I will try to include it in this column.
SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)
Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].
This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.
PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB
Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.
For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]
Results for Monday, Feb 17, 2020 1. Enid Powell & Scott Staples 4620 points; 2. Els Vandenberg & Peter Rhead 4120 points; 3. Kathy & Jim Haller 2080 points
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games are Tuesday 1pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]
The following winners are for Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 with 4 pairs playing a Howell Movement. 1/2. Liz Graham and Yvonne Cox; 1/2. Gerry VanLierop and Ron Groulx; 3/4. Susan Marshall and Jim Smith; 3/4. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon
MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)
Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]
The following winners are from Monday, Feb 17, 2020 with 6 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. David Bryce and Don Evans; 2. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 3. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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