Nowhere is there more confusion than in the
area of Minor Suit Stayman. First, the 2-over-1 GF
notes distributed by OKBridge conflict with the 2/1 GF
convention card that OKBridge disseminates. Secondly,
the convention card states that a 2NT response to 1NT
is a transfer to 3C, but there is NO MENTION of this
in the notes--and only a small minority of 2/1 GF
players use this method.
Most will opt out of this structure, and play
2S (or 3S in response to 2NT) as a Jacoby minor
transfer, as we saw in SAYC. After 1NT:2S Opener will
simply rebid 2NT (with superior Diamonds) or 3C.
Responder can stop in 3C or 3D if weak, or bid on as
a minor suit slam probe.
If you and your partner DO decide to play
Minor Suit Stayman, a 2S response to 1NT will PROMISE
9+ points and 5-4 or better in the minors. Opener
rebids:
2NT = No minor, minimum. 3C or 3D stops now.
3C or 3D = Natural, minimum. A raise invites.
3H or 3S = Maximum, weak in the other major.
3NT = Maximum, but no minor.
4C or 4D = Natural, maximum.
When playing Minor Suit Stayman, a direct 3C
(1NT:3C) or 3D (1NT:3D) response is often a weak
sign-off. Some will use a 2NT response to 1NT as a
transfer to 3C, but this method loses the very
important natural 2NT response. These pairs will
typically use 2C (Stayman) followed by 2NT to invite
3NT, with the 2C response being alerted and explained
as NOT promising a major. The problem for these pairs
is that if Opener has BOTH majors Opener may jump in
the unshown major (e.g. 1NT:2C:2H:2NT:4S) over 2NT. To
prevent this, after 1NT:2D:2H, Responder must rebid
2S with 4 Spades. In this way, 1NT:2C:2H:2NT denies
a major!
It is STRONGLY recommended that you retain
2NT as a natural raise and that you do NOT employ
Minor Suit Stayman. The SAYC method of natural 2NT
raises and Jacoby Minor Transfers is not only simpler;
it is superior.
