Bridge Tips - Bidding, No. 7 - A Stayman Sequence

If the bidding goes: -
 
1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 3♥ / 3♠, what do you understand by this bid?

Answer: -

This is an interesting one as it has changed over the last 30 or so years. Previously it used to be an invitation to partner to bid game as follows: -

·    With a minimum 1NT opener (12 – poor 13 points), pass.
·    With a good 1NT opener (good13 – 14 points), bid 4♥ / 4♠ with 3-card support, otherwise bid 3NT.

But the interpretation of this has changed and Standard Acol now says this bid is game forcing and shows 5 - 4 distribution in the majors: -

·    1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 3♥ shows 5 hearts and 4 spades
·    1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 3♠ shows 4 hearts and 5 spades.

I’ve got to say I don’t think this is as good as the old interpretation, as there isn’t now a sequence to allow you to stay short of game with about 11 – 12 points and a 5-card major if you aren’t using transfers. The only benefit seems to be that you can decide to be in a 4-3 fit in the major which may be a bit safer than 3NT when responder has 9 cards in the majors – but I’m not convinced.  However, that’s EBU Standard Acol – so be it!