Yes, you can use Stayman with less than 8 HCP!

One of the first parts of learning Stayman is that using the convention promises at least 8 HCP. The concept is that you will be either inviting or forcing to game opposite partner's 1NT (15-17) opening bid.

There is one occasion where we can throw that provision out the window!

If your partner opens 1NT, and you have the hand below, what would you do?

Or how about this hand:


If you pass, your partner will be playing 1NT, where the opponents have a majority of the strength, and effectively playing the hand without an easy way to get to dummy to even try to take finesses.

The answer is that you CAN use Stayman with less than 8 HCP in response to partner's 1NT opening...provided that:

  • You have shortness in clubs (singleton or void)
  • Support for all 3 suits (ideally 4441 or 4450 distribution)
  • No 5 card major (you can transfer with this hand)
  • Very weak (<5 HCP). If you have 5-7 HCP, it is likely best to stick it out in 1NT because our side is not outgunned, there is flexibility in which suits to play, and we only have to take 7 tricks.
After you bid 2C, your plan is to pass whatever partner responds (2D/2H/2S). If partner responds in a major, GREAT! We've found a 4-4 fit. Otherwise, partner is at most 3-3 in the majors, and we hope that we have found a decent fit in diamonds, and our small diamonds can be used to trump clubs.

Partner is not allowed to rebid 2NT! Regardless of how good they think their 1NT opening bid is!


This hand doesn't happen often, but when it does, please remember that you can utilize this treatment to avoid a messy 1NT contract that will likely go down a few.

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