Garbage Stayman
Before you can play Garbage Stayman you have to subscribe to the theory that a balanced
hand should never be played in notrump with a zero-point dummy. With that in mind,
John and I play it.
Classic Example
T 8 6 3
J T 8 7
9 8 7 4 2
Responder is willing to pass any second bid by the opener. This hand is
the classic example, but responder could also have a singleton club and one of the
majors could be a 3-card suit.
Both Majors
Here's an example hand with both majors:
T 8 6 3
J T 8 7
4 2
8 4 2
Responder bids 2 as Stayman. If opener rebids 2
denying a 4-card major, responder says 2, asking partner to either pass
with 3-card support or correct to spades.
Major and a Minor
Spades and a Minor
Below is an example hand with a 4-card spade suit and a longer minor:
T 6 5 2
8
7 4 2
Q 9 8 4 2
Responder bids 2 as Stayman. If opener rebids 2
denying a 4-card major, responder says 2, asking partner to either pass
with 3-card support or rebid 3, which responder will either pass or
correct to 3
Hearts and a Minor
This is an example hand with a 4-card Heart suit and a longer minor:
6 4 3
K T 8 5
7
T 9 7 5 3
If opener rebids 2 in response to Stayman, responder says 2
asking partner to either pass with 3-card heart support or correct to spades. If opener
does correct to spades, then responder must clarify his hand by bidding 3.
Notice that in this hand opener might show a 4-card spade suit in response to the Stayman
bid. If that happens, then responder can pass with 3-card spade support.