CASEBOOK 1 : NOTES

Responses to a weak 1NT opening:

 1. Stayman

2. Non-Promisory Stayman

3. 4-suit Transfers

4. Extended Stayman

HAND 1

This is an easy 2D transfer to hearts. Rebid 3H inviting Game.

HAND 2

A weak hand, but ideal for a Stayman response of 2C.

If opener bids a major suit, PASS.

If opener bids 2D, bid 2S, which opener will PASS.

HAND 3

Bid 2C Stayman.

Opener will invariably bid 2D - you bid 3D (EXTENDED STAYMAN) asking opener to bid his 3 card major suit – opener will bid 3NT holding 3 cards in both majors.

HAND 4

A super hand – Bid 2H as a transfer to Spades and then rebid 4H – partner should read you as 6/5 in Spades and Hearts.

HAND 5

An interesting dilemma, several options, depending on vulnerability and playing pairs or teams:

a) PASS

b) Bid 2S, transfer to Clubs.

c) Bid 3NT

I personally favour c)!

HAND 6

Another interesting one – do you PASS or play in a Club suit?

Best option, bid 2S, transfer to Clubs.

HAND 7

Great hand in the minors – bid 4C asking for Aces:

If opener responds: 4D  (0 Aces), PASS

                                  4H, (1 Ace), bid 4NT, asking partner to bid 5C as a sign off.

                                  4S,  (2 Aces) bid 6C – 6NT would be a gamble!

                                  4NT,(3 Aces) bid 7NT – 7C if you wish to be safe!

HAND 8

Straightforward raise to 3NT – don’t worry about the Spade holding, partner has to have points somewhere!

Martin Buck

February 2010