Bidding Conventions >

Double-Barreled Stayman


Double-Barreled Stayman is a variation of the Stayman convention. A 2 response to 1NT is game-forcing Stayman, showing at least one 4-card major. Using this approach, the 2 response to 1NT is made with weak or invitational hands.

Opener  Responder
1NT2

AKT9
KQ53
KT
J98

2 shows game-forcing values (minimum strength determined by the opening 1NT range). It asks partner to bid his cheapest 4-card major, if he has one.


Opener's Rebids

Opener's first priority is to show a 4-card major. Lacking one, he should bid 2NT or a minor suit.

  • 2 Shows 4 hearts.
  • 2 Shows 4 spades and denies as many as 4 hearts.
  • 2NT Denies a 4-card major or 5-card minor. Opener's shape is 4432 or 4333.
  • 3 Shows a 5-card club suit, and denies a 4-card major.
  • 3 Shows a 5-card diamond suit, and denies a 4-card major.


Other Considerations

The major drawback of Two-Way Stayman is that you lose the ability to play 2 as a Jacoby Transfer to hearts.