Weekly Hand Analysis - Vic Johnson - Monday, June 28, 2021 - When do you stop bidding when Stayman is invoked?

Question:  How do you know when to stop bidding as opener when using Stayman?

Vic:

Answer: The moment either player knows partner's distribution & point count (within a range of three), they become Captain of the auction. It is now THEIR choice when the bidding should stop. The beauty of 1NT Opening bids is that they describe distribution (balanced) & point count within a narrow range (commonly 15-17) with a single call. When Responder subsequently makes a Stayman call, they next find out whether Opener has a 4 card major. It is then up to Responder whether the auction continues or not. Responder's Options:  Drop Dead (PASS) - Invite Game (2NT or 3SUIT) - Bid Game (3NT or 4SUIT). 

Specific Auction Above: As a function of Opener's two bids (1NT then 2H), Responder knows that Opener has a 15-17 point balanced hand probably with exactly 4 hearts. It is possible Opener also has 4 spades. Responder is now Captain of the auction. Holding 8 HCP's, Responder is technically strong enough to invite. Four of Responder's HCPs, however, are "Quacks" (Queens & Jacks). Responder makes what in retrospect appears to be a wise decision to PASS. 

Note: On Responder's first chance to call, they bid Stayman rather than transfer Opener to their 5-card spade suit. Stayman is the proper call when Responder holds 5 cards in one major & 4 cards in the other. 

Note: Holding 4 cards in both majors, Opener made the proper choice to bid Hearts (up the line). Opener has no way to tell Responder they also have 4 spades. Probably, they do not. But the heart bid does NOT deny 4 spades. 

Note: If Opener had answered Responder's Stayman bid with a bid of 2S, that WOULD deny 4 hearts. A second bid of 2S by Opener In this case might also motivate Responder to Invite Game (knowing they have a 9-card golden fit instead of just an 8-card golden fit). An Invitational call of 3S would transfer Captain of the Auction to Opener. Holding 15 points Opener would usually PASS. Holding 17 points Opener would usually raise to Game. Holding 16 points Opener would usually consider other aspects of hand evaluation to decide if their 16 points is "strong" or "weak". Ain't bridge a great game?