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The popular solution is to play a variant of Stayman known as Puppet. How Does Puppet Work? As with regular Stayman, responder uses a Three Clubs response to 2NT to initiate the conversation.
This convention allows the responder to search for the best contract when game+ values are held. Over 2NT, Puppet replaces regular Stayman. Opener . 2NT . Responder.
Puppet Stayman is a specialized version of regular Stayman that is popularly used in response to a 2NT opening bid. Beginning an auction with 2NT has pluses and minuses.
Puppet Stayman is a convention that can be used to find such a fit. To use Puppet Stayman, responder must have 10+ HCP and at least one 3- or 4-card major. (With a 5-card major responder will transfer into the major suit.) This bid should be alerted as Puppet Stayman and is game-forcing.
Simplified Puppet Stayman over 1 Notrump: An alternative treatment is the simplified Puppet Stayman convention, credited to Marty Bergen; responder promises game-going values using this method.
This table shows the general guideline when responder holds a four-card major: Stayman is typically used with hands that have invitational or better strength. If you and your partner play strong notrumps (15 to 17 HCP or 16 to 18), responder should have at least 8 HCP to use Stayman (with one exception we’ll discuss at the end).
PUPPET STAYMAN. This variation of regular Stayman is used by the partner of a notrump bidder to locate not only a 4-card major with the notrumper, but also a 5-card major. I like to use 1NT-3 as Puppet. So, I use it only with enough values for game (10+ points for responder).
