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Minor Suit Stayman
"Minor Suit Stayman is an extension of the Stayman and Jacoby Transfer conventions. If you
play transfer bids over 1NT or 2NT, then a 2H or 3H response shows spades, thereby making a direct 2S or 3S response
a redundant bid. Playing Minor Suit Stayman, 2S or 3S becomes an artificial inquiry asking opener for a 4-card
minor.
When To Use Minor suit Stayman in Bridge
The Minor Suit Stayman convention is employed after a 1NT/2NT opening bid to explore potential fits in the minor suits, clubs and diamonds especially when the responder holds both minors and is interested in game or slam contracts.Examples of Minor suit Stayman Bids
Partner opens 1NT/2NT:1. You bid 2 spades/ 3 spades - signalling partner that their next bid must be their club suit if they have four clubs, if not they should bid their diamonds if they have four or more diamonds.
2. If opener doesn't have either four clubs or diamonds they must rebid No Trumps at the lowest level.
Opening Bid |
Responders Minor Suit Stayman - A forcing bid for one round and opener must bid |
Openers Rebid |
| 1NT | 2S | 2NT - saying partner I don't have a four card minor suit to bid |
| 1NT | 2S | 3C - I have at least four club cards and I may have four diamonds as well |
| 1NT | 2S | 3D - partner I have four diamonds and I don't have four clubs |
| 2NT | 3S | 3NT - saying partner I don't have a four card minor suit to bid |
| 2NT | 3S | 4C - I have at least four club cards and I may have four diamonds as well |
| 2NT | 3S | 4D - partner I have four diamonds and I don't have four clubs |
Playing Minor Suit Stayman is something you should agree with your partner in advance and is alertable.
Partner Opens 1NT and you have agreed to play Minor Suit Stayman
What should you bid with this hand
- ♠ A 2
- ♥ K J 2
- ♦ K T 9 8
- ♣ A J 8 3
Bid 2S - showing a 4+ clubs, 4+ diamonds and asking partner to bid and 4 card minor suit they hold in ascending order. After they have done this you need to work out the final resting place for the contract.