5 Card Major Stayman

"Whatever next" you say. Is nothing sacred? Now they are even messing about with Stayman. One club player said "I prefer KISS"- keep it simple stupid. I have lots of sympathy with this but, actually, it does make life simpler. More hands are limited to 12-14 by opening 1NT.

Here is the new system for you to see.

Taken from Ron Klinger's new book.

Click here to see the book

Opening Bid

Open 1NT, 12-14, with any balanced hand, including any 5-3-3-2.

Reply 2♣ with any hand that is certain to play in game, 13+ or any hand that you want to invite game with.

Replies to 2♣:
· 2♥ is a 5 card heart suit.
· 2♠ is a 5 card spade suit.
· 2 diamonds denies a 5 card major but there still may be a 4 card major.

Replies to 2 diamonds
Use the 3 level bids below with hands that have enough for game:

· 3♣ is Stayman and asks for 4 card majors. (use when hand opposite 1NT has a 4 card major.
· 3 diamonds is a transfer showing 5 hearts (use this sequence instead of direct transfer when having 3 spades).
· 3♥ is a transfer showing 5 spades (use this sequence instead of direct transfer when having 3 hearts).

Use the 2 level bids below with hands that you wish to invite game:

· 2♥ shows 4 or 5 hearts and can be passed with a weak opening hand.
· 2♠ shows 4 or 5 spades and can be passed with a weak opening hand.
· 2NT denies a 4 card major and is still inviting game if opener is strong.

Replies after 3♣

· 3 diamonds any 4-3-3-3 hand including those with 4 card major
· 3♥ a hand with 4 hearts, not 4-3-3-3
· 3♠ a hand with 4 spades, not 4-3-3-3
· 3NT a hand with no 4 card major and not 4-3-3-3