Double-Barreled Stayman

Double-Barreled Stayman is a variation of the Stayman convention. A 2 response to 1NT is game-forcing Stayman, showing at least one 4-card major. Using this approach, the 2 response to 1NT is made with weak or invitational hands.

Opener	Responder
1NT	2

Responder's hand:

AKT9
KQ53
KT
J98

2 shows game-forcing values (minimum strength determined by the opening 1NT range). It asks partner to bid his cheapest 4-card major, if he has one.

Opener's first priority is to show a 4-card major. Lacking one, he should bid 2NT or a minor suit.

Rebid	Meaning
2	Shows 4 hearts.
2	Shows 4 spades and denies as many as 4 hearts.
2NT	Denies a 4-card major or 5-card minor. Opener's shape is 4432 or 4333.
3	Shows a 5-card club suit, and denies a 4-card major.
3	Shows a 5-card diamond suit, and denies a 4-card major.

The major drawback of Double-Barreled Stayman is losing the ability to play 2 as a Jacoby Transfer to hearts.