Tell the students that today they are going to learn about the Stayman convention, which is used after a 1NT opening. Say, "Let's talk about conventions. We have already learned the Jacoby Transfer convention. We know that conventions are artificial bids that FORCE our partner to respond for at least one round of bidding. A convention gives the partnership room in the bidding."

• The Stayman Convention is used by the responder to ask the opener if they have a four-card major suit. The bid of 2 clubs asks this question. It allows the partnership to find a 4-4 fit in a major suit. Reminder: It is usually better to play in a major suit fit than no trump.
• Responder must have
  •  eight+  HCP
  • at least one four-card major
  • a hand that is not balanced
• Opener's second bid: 
  • 2 diamonds denies a four-card major
  • 2 hearts shows a four-card heart suit, but may have a four-card spade suit
  • 2 spades denies hearts
• Stayman will help the partnership decide on the right contract.  
• Stayman can be game forcing. Example of one round of bidding:

Opener               Responder

1NT                     2 clubs (Stayman)

2 hearts               3NT

4 spades            pass

In this scenario, the opener has shown two four-card suits and at least 17 points. The responder's bid of 3NT denies hearts and says there are at least 10-12 points in the responder's hand. But because of the Stayman convention, opener knows that responder's hand has four spades. Opener bids 4 spades.

• Let's look at another example:

Opener               Responder

1 NT                    2 clubs (Stayman)

2 diamonds        2NT

In this scenario, the opener denies a four-card major, and responder has limited his or her hand, saying he or she has 8-9 points. With a 15-point hand, what would opener's next bid be?  PASS

•  Another example:

Opener               Responder

1NT                     2 clubs (Stayman)

2 diamonds       3NT

The responder has limited his or her hand to 10-12 points and knows there is a golden game.

•  Another example:

Opener               Responder

1NT                    2 clubs (Stayman)

2 spades           2NT

Responder has four hearts and a minimum hand.

•  Another example:

Opener               Responder

1NT                     2 clubs (Stayman)

2 hearts               4 hearts

Responder has 10-12 points and four hearts.  Bid the Golden Game!!

•  Another example:

Opener               Responder

1NT                     3 clubs (Stayman)

2 hearts              3 hearts

We have a fit.  Do you want to play in this game?

• Remember, with a five-card major, you will use the artificial bid of Jacoby Transfer.  With a five-card and four-card major and eight+ points, you can use the Stayman convention.
• With ten HCP or more, you know you have game. Your first order of business as responder is to try to find the golden fit. If you have a four-card major, bid Stayman. With a five-card major, bid Jacoby Transfer.
• Congratulations, you have now learned two Bridge conventions!!