Stayman or Pass?

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rod
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Stayman or Pass?

Post by rod »

As commonly played, Stayman requires at least game-invitational values. But sometimes your hand strength depends greatly on whether you have that 4-4 major fit.

Consider this holding when partner opens a 15-17 notrump:

♠ 10
Q762
A1096
♣ J764

If the contract is notrumps you have 7 points. If it's hearts you have 10 points. What would you do?

At IMPs you don't want to miss games. I would bid 2♣ and then 4 if partner shows hearts, otherwise 2NT. You might go down in 2NT or 3NT, but sometimes 3NT will make.

At matchpoints you risk going down in 2NT, but +90 is seldom a great result. 3NT will be top or bottom. Finding a heart fit will be excellent even if you don't force to game. Again I would try 2♣.
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