Checkback Stayman
Checkback Stayman occurs after 1 of a minor -- 1 of a major response and opening bidder jumps to 2 NT.
1 ♦ - 1♥
2 NT - 3♣ by responder is now checkback stayman
Why are we doing this??
The opening bidder may also have a four card other major suit OR may have 3 card support for the responder’s 5 card major. We never want to miss an 8 card major suit fit. Remember that it is always safer to play the hand in a major suit than in No trumps.
Let’s have a look at above auction again:
1 ♦ - 1♥
2 NT - 3♣
Responses to 3 ♣ are as follows:
3♦ says: I do not have 3 card support for your major suit nor do I have 4 cards in the other major.
3♥ says: I have 3 card support for your ♥ heart suit but I do NOT have 4 spades.
3♠ says: I have a 4 card ♠ suit but do not have 3 card support for your ♥ suit.
3 NT says: I have both 3 card support for ♥’s and also a four card ♠ suit.
Now let’s check out the other major suit situation:
1 ♦ - 1♠
2 NT - 3♣
Responses to 3♣ are as follows:
3♦ says: I do not have 3 card support for your major suit nor do I have 4 cards in the other major.
3♠ says: I have 3 card support for your ♠ heart suit but I do NOT have 4 hearts.
3♥ says: I have a 4 card ♥ suit but do not have 3 card support for your ♠ suit.
3 NT says: I have both 3 card support for ♠’s and also a four card ♥ suit.
The only time you would ever use this convention is if you have 4-4 in the majors or you have 4-5 in the majors or you have one five card major.
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