Test Your Stayman

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The Stayman convention is used to locate 4-4 major suit fit after partner opens 1NT. It is one of the oldest and most widely used conventions. Not familiar with Stayman?  Click here to find out how it works before taking the quiz.
Your partner opens the bidding 1NT. What do you respond with each of the following hands?

1. 1. ♠K Q 5 4    ♥A 9 8    ♦3 2    ♣ J 9 8 4
      Pass     2♣    2NT    2♠
      Answer

      2♣. Although you have a game going hand, you still want to look for a 4-4 spade fit.
   2. ♠K 5 3 2    ♥9 4 3    ♦9 7 6 5    ♣ Q 2
      Pass     2♣    2NT    2♠
      Answer

      Pass. You have less than invitational values.
   3. ♠ Q 4    ♥A J 9 4    ♦Q 3 2    ♣ 10 8 4 3
      Pass     2♣    2NT    2♥
      Answer

      2♣, Intending to invite with 2NT if partner doesn’t have four hearts. If partner does have four hearts, you will raise to 3♥
   4. ♠A K Q 4    ♥K J 10 2    ♦A J 5 2   ♣ 9
      NT    2♣    2♥   3NT
      Answer

      2♣. There is no upper limit for Stayman. You want to locate a 4-4 major suit fit if there is one.
   5. ♠9 5 4    ♥J 9    ♦A 5 3    ♣ K Q 9 7 6
      Pass     2♣    3NT    2♦
      Answer

      3NT. You have no four-card major and enough points for game. Bid it!

You open 1NT, partner responds with Stayman. What do you bid with the following:

1. 1. ♠A K 8 7    ♥K 10 7 2    ♦A 6    ♣ Q J 10
      2♥     2♠    2NT    3NT
      Answer

      2♥. Bid your lower ranking four-card major first.
   2. ♠A K 2    ♥9 7 5    ♦K Q 4    ♣ A 10 8 2
      Pass     2♦    2NT    2♠
      Answer

      2♦. You don’t have a four-card major.
   3. ♠9 8 7 2    ♥A 2    ♦A J 8    ♣ K Q J 2
      2♦     2♥    2NT    2♠
      Answer

      2♠. Partner is not asking how good your major is, just if you have a four-card major.