Vu-Bridge Quiz | Vu-Bridge === Play like a Champion!

Stayman over 1NT by Paul Bowyer

In this section we are looking again at opening 1NT and also at the Stayman Convention. This is one of the simplest conventions at the bridge table - a response of 2♣ to 1NT asks for a four-card major. Opener bids one if he has one, else denies one by bidding 2♦.

Assume in all cases that 1NT is 15-17.

Question 1

South
♠ K J 5
♥ A J 9
♦ K 3
♣ K J 8 7 4

Q: 1 - What do you open with this hand?

A: 1NT. 5.3.3.2 hands count as balanced and here we have a classic 1NT opening bid. You might open 1♣ but for various reasons 1NT is a (vastly) superior call.

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Question 2

South
♠ K J 8 7 4
♥ A J 9
♦ K 3
♣ K J 5

Q: 2 - What do you open with this hand?

A: 1NT. Probably the best answer is "Ask your teacher". You have a 5.3.3.2 hand, which counts as balanced, and 1NT is probably the right opening bid. However, this is highly controversial when the five-card suit is a major (in Hand 1 it was a minor - no controversy there). The world splits into two camps here, those who think opening 1NT with a five-card major is heresy and those who think that it is completely normal. VuBridge would like to sit on the fence a little here although hands where the honors are scattered around (as here) probably play better in No-trumps. As they say in England,"You pays yer money and you takes yer choice..."

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Question 3

South
♠ Q 10 6 5
♥ A 10 7 3
♦ A 7 4
♣ 3 2

Q: 3 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

Here we switch you to be the responder. What do you reply to 1NT?

A: 2♣. You have the values for game (so 3NT wouldn't be the worst bid in the world). However, a 4-4 major fit might prove superior; 2♣ will help you locate one if it exists. If partner replies 2♦, denying a major, you will bid 3NT at that point. If partner bids 2♥ or 2♠ you will raise that to game.

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Question 4

South
♠ Q 10 6 5
♥ Q J 7 3
♦ A 7 4
♣ 3 2

Q: 4 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

What do you reply to 1NT?

A: 2♣. You have the values for an invitational raise (so 2NT wouldn't be the worst bid in the world). However, a 4-4 major fit might prove superior; 2♣ will help you locate one if it exists. If partner replies 2♦, denying a major, you will bid 2NT at that point. If partner bids a major you will raise to the three-level.

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Question 5

South
♠ Q 10 6 5
♥ Q 10 7 3
♦ Q 7
♣ 9 3 2

Q: 5 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

What do you reply to 1NT?

A: Pass. You don't have the values to go much past 1NT. If you try 2♣ you will be in a great position if partner were to bid 2♥ or 2♠ (you would Pass, obviously). However, if partner replied 2♦ what would you do then? You'd be up a creek without a paddle.

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Question 6

South
♠ Q 10 6 5
♥ 3 2
♦ A 7 4
♣ A J 6 2

Q: 6 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

What do you reply to 1NT?

A: 2♣. You have the values for game (cf Hand 3; so 3NT wouldn't be the worst bid in the world). However, a 4-4 Spade fit might prove superior; 2♣ will help you locate one if it exists. If partner replies 2♦ or 2♥ you will bid 3NT at that point. If partner bids 2♠ you will raise that to 4♠.

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Question 7

South
♠ Q 10 6 5
♥ Q 10 8 7 3
♦ 2
♣ J 10 2

Q: 7 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

What do you reply to 1NT?

A: 2♣. You should "pull" 1NT to a suit contract with such a hand (5.4.3.1 pattern) and some would simply bid the five-card suit. In fact, 2♥ isn't such a terrible bid. However, you can have your cake and eat it here. You can try 2♣ and test the waters. If partner obliges with 2♥ or 2♠ you have located a fit (and you will Pass). If partner replies 2♦ you can convert that to 2♥ and nothing has been lost. (Partner will Pass that as it constitutses a sign-off).

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Question 8

South
♠ J 6 5 3
♥ 10 6 5 2
♦ J 9 7 6 2
♣

Q: 8 -

South	West	North	East
		1NT	Pass
?

What do you reply to 1NT?

A: 2♣. this hand is a riposte to those who claim (with no justification whatever!) that a 2♣ response "guarantees 8 points" or somesuch nonsense. It doesn't. You can employ the gadget on hands like this one where the object of the exercise is to find the best bolt-hole. Call it damage limitation if you like. Whatever partner responds to 2♣ you will Pass (yes, even 2♦) and that is going to prove a better spot than 1NT (Doubled?)

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Question 9

South
♠ A K 9 4
♥ J 7 6 4
♦ A 8 3
♣ K 10

Q: 9 -

South	West	North	East
1NT	Pass	2♣	Pass
?

Here you have opened 1NT and partner has applied Stayman. What do you bid?

A: 2♥. When holding two four-card majors it is customary to bid Hearts (the lower suit). Never mind the quality, feel the - er - length.

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Question 10

South
♠ A K 9 4
♥ J 7 6 4
♦ A 8 3
♣ K 10

Q: 10 -

South	West	North	East
1NT	Pass	2♣	Pass
2♥	Pass	3NT	Pass
?

Here you have opened 1NT and the auction has progressed a little. What do you do now?

A: 4♠. Partner simply must have a four-card major to instigate Stayman. Why bother otherwise? He was interested in locating a 4-4 Spade fit, when you bid 2♥ he gave up and went to 3NT. You must now correct to the better game contract.

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What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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Stayman over 1NT by Paul Bowyer

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Overall Results

"Vubridge is, hands down, the best way to learn the game of bridge." Jane M...

"This is a most helpful site. I like it because it focuses on one area and through that it helps with making you focus on the bidding." Merle M......

"Hopefully, I am learning way more than I thought I knew!! Only my first day with the quizzes, I am looking forward to more." Leslie A...

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands. It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...

It really helps in having the feedback after we submit an answer. Where else can we get one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of our own home. Ramona G.

I love by Vu Bridge Blue. A great investment and refresher for someone who hasn�t played in decades. Count me in whatever follows my current subscription. Mary H.

The Vu-Bridge system guides players through every step of the bidding process - and nudges you in the right direction when you're about to make a wrong move. It's easy, quick, practical - and user-friendly, which is a massive positive for any bridge playing or learning software. Great Bridge Links

Stayman over 1NT by Paul Bowyer

Question 1

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Question 4

Question 5

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Question 7

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Question 9

Question 10

Overall Results

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands.
It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...