The Stayman convention
Stayman is a convention: after partner opens 1NT, a 2♣ response asks whether opener holds a four-card major.
When it is used
Most bids describe your hand; Stayman asks partner about theirs. It helps the partnership find a 4‑4 major-suit fit, which often plays better than no‑trumps.
Opener answers 2♥ with four hearts, 2♠ with four spades and 2♦ with neither. The 2♦ answer doesn’t mean diamonds: it is just the “no major” answer. With both majors, opener bids 2♥ first. Over a 2NT opening the same question is asked one level higher, with 3♣.
In each system
- ACOL
- Over partner’s 1NT (12 to 14), bid 2♣ with 11 or more points and at least one four-card major.
- Strong No‑Trump and 5‑card majors
- Over partner’s 1NT (15 to 17), bid 2♣ with 8 or more points and at least one four-card major.
An example
Partner has opened 1NT. You hold this hand, 13 points with four cards in each major.
- ♠ K Q 8 5
- ♥ J 7 4 3
- ♦ 6 5
- ♣ A K 3
| Partner | You |
|---|---|
| 1NT | 2♣ |
| 2♥ | 4♥ |
Partner shows four hearts: fit found. You raise to game in hearts, because your 13 points opposite partner’s 1NT reach the 25 needed for game.
Where we teach it
Taught in the Beginner course, in its own Stayman topic, in both systems, ACOL and 5‑card majors.
Learn it properly
Bridge Unlocked teaches the game step by step, with real hands to play. Bridge Basics is free.