Puppet Stayman

Overview

This version of Puppet Stayman is based on Sally Brock's article in the August 2010 edition of English Bridge [reproduced by kind permission of Elena Jeronimidis].

The essence of this version is that:

• after a 3♣ Stayman enquiry, the normal meanings of 3♥ and 3NT are reversed, 3♥ denying either a 4-card or 5-card major, whereas 3NT shows five hearts. The rationale of this is that responder can enquire about opener's major-suit holdings but still bid 3♠ over 3♥ to show a 5-card suit. In particular, this means that responder can deal with a holding of four hearts and five spades whilst reserving the 3♠ response to show both minors.
• if opener shows a 4-card major, responder can show both 4-card majors by bidding 4♣ with slam interest or 4♦ simply to play in game in opener's suit.
• the 3♠ response to 2NT is used to show both minors, at least 5-4. Opener rebid options are:

  -   rebid 3NT to show no particular enthusiasm for a minor-suit contract
  -   bid 4♣/♦ as RKCB in that suit. Whether a slam is possible will depend on responder's key-cards, and signing off in 5-minor is still possible