Minor Suit Stayman --Sequences described

The very first convention I learned was Stayman, checking back for majors over nt. You, too no doubt (after blackwood, that is). About 30 master points later, I was asked to learn Minor Suit Stayman. Cool, I had mastered Stayman so figured this was a piece of cake.

As per usual when learning new conventions, some of the memorization of the early sequences is the easy part, i.e. 1N 2S asks opener to bid a four card minor and says nothing about "spades". However, how this query system fits into existing sequences, how the information gleaned is useful in determining the potential of the hand, how to handle pesky opponents and their actions in the bidding. These are all sequella learning points that one needs to discuss, explore and sometimes tweak!

I use MSS in tandem with a convention where 2N relays to 3C to describe various responder hands. Because I don't want to overwhelm this discussion with two new treatments, I'll defer the 1N 2N! discussion to a later blog -suffice it to say we aren't going to cover all the responder type hands one encounters in this treatise when partner opens 1N. Ready, set go!

First off, when responder asks for a four card minor by bidding 2S over 1N, the basic responses are thus:

2N --sorry pard, I have no four card minor
3C--I have a four card club suit (says nothing about strength or suit quality)
3D--I have a four card diamond suit (says nothing about strength or suit quality)

One queries opener for such minor suit holdings with four hand-types that through these sequences are well described to opener.

1) Diamond sign off, responder has long, weak diamonds. After opener bids 3D, pass. If opener bids 3C, bid 3D and opener drops the auction there. If opener bids 2N, bid 3D and opener drops the auction there.

2) Responder has weak 5/5 hands, minors. After opener bids 3C, pass. After opener bids 3D, pass. If opener bids 2N, bid 3C and opener is required to pass or correct depending on which minor suit is better.

3) Responder has a game forcing hand 5/4,5 in minors. After opener bids a minor, confirm the minor and make slam try if appropriate. Otherwise, bid game. If opener bids 2N, responder bids shortness (major). Opener has now described a 5/4,5 game forcing hand with shortness in a major.

4) Responder has a slamish 5422 hand with minors. After opener bids 2N, 3C or 3D bid 3N.

If there is anything I need to add, please let me know. Otherwise, look forward to the next blog piece on 1N 2N sequences.