Source: bridge.ustc.edu.cn
I feel all flat hands with the appropriate HCP range should be opened NT regardless of the fact that you have a 5 card major . Coming with the territory is throwing out Stayman . Stayman invented his convention to ask the NT bidder if she has a 4 card major . It does not have to be that way . It works just as well if it is reversed , the NT opener asks responder for the 4 card major !!
Modified puppet Stayman does just that by a clever use of a relay. 1NT- 2 or 2NT- 3
asks for a 5 card major period. If the NT opener ( 1NT or 2NT ) does not have a 5 card major then she relays to 2
which now asks responder for the 4 card major !! The invitational 2NT is not lost as 2
has the same effect . Taking the relay to 2
means exactly 4
or no majors with a 2NT invite . Partner bids 2
with 4
and you bail out to 2NT saying you were just kidding about he spades it’s a 2NT invite ! I invented some of the responses below so the Stans of the world might come up with better bids . The 2
relay opens up a number of possibilities ..
The 2 response to 1NT is a modified version of “puppet” Stayman. Responder must have at least game interest unless he is able to pass opener’s rebid of 2
, 2
or 2
.
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
Call |
Meaning |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Call | Meaning | |
2![]() |
exactly 4 spades or no major interest | |
2![]() |
exactly 4 hearts | |
2NT | 4-4 or 5-4 in majors; I | |
3![]() |
5-4 or 6-4 in majors; GF | |
3![]() |
4-4 in majors; GF | |
3![]() |
4-4 in majors , GF , stiff club | |
3![]() |
4-4 in majors; GF , stiff diamond | |
3NT | sign-off (was looking for 5 card major) | |
4![]() |
Gerber |
Memory aid: After the 2
relay responder’s next suit bid is always artificial. Note that a 2
or 2
bid denies interest in the major bid and denies five cards in the major shown.
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
Call |
Meaning |
*if responder has 4 spades
West |
North |
East |
South |
Call 3 |
Meaning |
*If responder has slam interest, he may continue with a minor-suit splinter, opposite major (natural) or key-card Blackwood.
West |
North |
East |
South |
Call |
Meaning |
*denies spade fit; 3 NT offers choice of game after heart fit
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
Call |
Meaning |
*If 3 is not available (i.e., if opener bid 3
) then 3
shows 5+ clubs and 4
shows exactly 4 clubs.
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