Two types of structure are popular :

3C = Baron Convention, asking for 4-card suits up-the-line. Opener bids the cheapest 4-card suit held. If clubs is the only suit, opener bids 3NT. 3D /3H = Transfer to hearts/spades. 3S = 5 spades and 4 hearts exactly, the major two-suiter that cannot be shown otherwise with Baron 3C or transfers.

The other structure uses 3C as Stayman asking only for majors, not for all 4-card suits. 3C = Stayman Convention, asking for 4-card majors. 3D /3H = Transfer to hearts/spades. 3S = Minor two-suiter with some slam interest. 4C /4D = Natural, 6+ suit and slam interest. One advantage of using 3C Stayman is that it reduces memory problems, as the same approach is used over 2NT as over 1NT. A more important benefit is that Stayman enables the stronger hand to be declarer more often when a 4-4 major fit is found. For example: West S AQ73 H K2 D AKJ3 C KJ5, East S K862 H 985 D 74 C A432.

Playing Baron : West 2NT, East 3C, West 3D, East 3S, West 4S

Playing Stayman : West 2NT, East 3C, West 3S, East 4S, West 4S

Both methods reach 4S , but it will often be better to have West declarer. This type of situation arises frequently enough to prefer the use of 3C as Stayman. If you need to lcoate a minor suit with opener, you can use 3C Stayman and follow up with 4C as a minor suit enquiry over any reply by opener.

With 5 hearts - 4 spades, bid 3D (transfer to hearts) and rebid 3S over 3H, allowing opener to choose the contract. With 5 spades - 4 hearts, bid 3C Stayman. If opener bids 3D, no major, you rebid 3S to show your 5-card suit.

Using transfers over 2NT is very valuable. It enables responder to sign off at the three-level with a hopelessly weak hand and also to show a two-suiter at a comfortable level. In addition, with the great disparity in strength between opener and responder, it is usually preferable to have the strong hand as declarer.

RonKlingerBridge.com 2009