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Simplified Relay Stayman

© Copyright 2000, Jim Loy

This is an invitational relay Stayman. It is shown in Bridge Conventions Complete, by Amalya Kearse. After the 2C relay, Relayer can either make a game forcing relay (cheapest bid, with one exception) or invite game with other bids.

1NT 2C(r) 2D     <4H, may have 4S
      2H(r)   GF relay
        2S 4+S
        2NT no 5-card suit (4333 or 4432, no 4-card major)
        3m 5-card suit
    2H     4+H, denies 4S
      2S(r)   GF relay (3S=splinter raise)
        2NT no 4-card minor
        3m 4-card suit
        3H 5H
    2S     4S & 4H
      3C(r)   GF relay (2NT invites 3NT)
        3D 4-4-3-2 (natural - third longest suit)
        3H 4-4-2-3

A bid of 3m is 3 in a minor suit. 4333 is a general shape, with the long suit unspecified. 4-4-3-2 is an exact distribution, 4 spades, 4 hearts, 3 diamonds, 2 clubs. The bottom two lines us the "natural" organizing principle, instead of "numeric" (See Intro to Relays - A 2D Relay Stayman). In most of the rows of the table, Relayer can relay further, in order to learn the exact distribution.


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