When to use Checkback Stayman?
North-South have reached a very poor contract. As so often, each of the two players considers that his partner is responsible for the accident. And you, what do you think?
This month we will be looking at:
When to use Checkback Stayman?
Problem 1
| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♦ | Pass | 1♠ | |
| Pass | 1NT | Pass | 2♥ |
The facts
The Heart game is good, with 24HCP and a 4-4 fit in the major. Who is responsible?
Arguments
North: “The 2♥ bid is natural and non-forcing and asks me to pass if I have four Hearts, and to correct to 2♠ otherwise, with two or three cards. Let me remind you that we’ve just learned a new convention, Checkback Stayman, precisely tailored to show invitational hands.”
South: “You’re right, I showed a weak two-suiter, but the point range goes from 6 to 10HCP. You have 14HCP and four-card support in Hearts, which allows you to re-evaluate your hand and count additional points for distribution. You must bid 3♥ over 2♥ to invite me to play game, and I will obviously accept. With a little judgment, we can make do without the Checkback Stayman.”
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