BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You deal and pass, then partner opens 1NT (12-14) and next hand passes. What action do you take playing pairs?

I wouldn’t normally pose a question with such an obvious answer, but nothing is obvious in bridge any longer when I saw two Wests using a Stayman 2 ♣ to look for a major suit fit. When, not surprisingly, they got a negative 2 ♦ response, they were obliged to sign off in 2NT — one trick too many!

Stayman is by far the most used convention — it’s also the most misused. So here is a reminder of the two Golden Rules for it.

a) Never use Stayman unless you have an honest rebid available when partner doesn’t give the response you hope for.

b) Don’t use Stayman indiscriminately at duplicate when you have a balanced hand with values. Remember that your enquiry forces partner to reveal a feature of his hand, information that will frequently benefit opponents more than your side.