Garbage Stayman

Garbage Stayman is a rare but fun little variation of the Stayman convention. After a 1NT opening by partner, a 2 response shows a weak 3-suited hand that's short in clubs. Playing a strong 15-17 1NT, Garbage Stayman shows 0-7 points. The ideal distribution is 4-4-4-1 or 4-4-5-0, although 3-4-5-1 or 4-3-5-1 is also okay. Note that a weak hand containing a 5-card major (e.g. 5-4-4-0 shape) should simply use a Jacoby Transfer instead.

Some examples of hands suitable for a Garbage Stayman response:

T987 A984 87532 —

Q653 Q432 T975 J

J872 JT4 86543 9

With each of these hands, responder bids 2 like regular Stayman. However, responder intends to pass at his next turn. The idea is that the partnership will either locate an 8-card major suit fit, or a probable 8-card diamond fit if opener denies a 4-card major.

Opener's rebids are the same as in regular Stayman:

Opener's Rebid	Meaning
2	Denies a 4-card major
2	Shows 4 (or rarely 5) hearts, and may have 4 spades
2	Shows 4 (or rarely 5) spades, and shows fewer than 4 hearts

		West			East
		T3			8652
		AQ82			KT93
		KJ7			8654
		KQT5			2
		West     1NT 2		North     Pass All Pass	East     2	South     Pass

This is the textbook hand that Garbage Stayman attempts to solve. You can cheaply find your 4-4 major suit fit rather than languish in 1NT.

		West			East
		KT95			J87
		AK3			Q642
		A5			K9873
		QJT9			2
		West     1NT 2		North     Pass All Pass	East     2	South     Pass

On the other hand, you may also create some sticky situations with imperfect shape. Here 1NT was an acceptable contract but 2 will require some maneuvering.