Stayman is the most widely played bridge convention in the world. After partner opens 1NT, a response of 2♣ asks opener for a four-card major. The goal is simple: when your side holds eight or more cards in hearts or spades, playing in that major usually produces one more trick than notrump.
The 2♣ bid says nothing about clubs. It is purely a question: "Partner, do you have four hearts or four spades?"
When to Use Stayman
Use Stayman when both of these are true:
- You hold at least one four-card major (hearts or spades).
- You have enough strength to invite game: 8+ points opposite a 15-17 notrump.
With a weak hand and no interest in game, just pass 1NT or transfer to a long suit. Bidding Stayman with no major, or with no values, only helps the defenders.
How Opener Responds
Opener has exactly three answers:
| Response | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2♦ | No four-card major |
| 2♥ | Four hearts (may also hold four spades) |
| 2♠ | Four spades, denies four hearts |
With both majors, opener bids hearts first. If responder does not fit hearts, the spade fit can still be found later.
A classic Stayman auction: responder finds the 4-4 heart fit and bids game.
Responder's Second Bid
After opener answers, responder places the contract:
- Fit found, invitational hand (8-9 points): raise the major to the three level.
- Fit found, game values (10+ points): bid game in the major.
- No fit, invitational: bid 2NT.
- No fit, game values: bid 3NT. Opener with four spades will convert to 4♠ when the 2♣ bidder showed spades along the way.
Rule of ThumbRule of thumb: with a 4-4 major fit, play the major suit game. With no fit, return to notrump. Stayman never commits you to clubs.
Partner opens 1NT (15-17). Your bid?
Partner opens 1NT showing 15-17 balanced. What do you bid with this hand?
Your hand:
Stayman pairs naturally with Jacoby transfers: Stayman finds 4-4 fits, transfers handle five-card and longer majors. Together they cover almost every major-suit hand you can hold opposite 1NT.
New to notrump auctions? Start with bidding basics first.