This convention is alertable in ACBL regulations.[1]
Stayman in doubt (SID) is an extension to Stayman, showing a completely balanced hand with 4-3-3-3 distribution with a fit with the opener. The motivation is that, with exactly 4-3-3-3 hands in both the opener and the responder, there is no short suit to ruff, so that a notrump contract probably produces the same number of tricks as the major suit contract. Therefore, 3NT may be preferable than 4 of the major in this case, since it requires one trick less to make and is worth 10 points more when the same number of tricks are taken.
Convention[]
When this convention is on, the following sequence initiates it:
| Opener | Responder |
|---|---|
| 1NT | 2♣1 |
| 2♥/2♠2 | 3♦3 |
- Stayman
- showing a 4-card major
- showing support of the 4-card major, but exactly 4333 shape, initiating the convention
Now it's down to opener whose options are:
- 3 of the major: a minimum hand;
- 3NT: a maximum hand and 4333 distribution;
- 4 of the major: a maximum hand with a little more shape (4432, 5332).
Advanced Stayman in doubt[]
Advanced Stayman in doubt is a variant of Stayman in doubt. To use it, responder needs to have a fit and near game values, but may have any shape. It is initiated in the exactly the same way as the original SID convention:
| Opener | Responder |
|---|---|
| 1NT | 2♣1 |
| 2♥/2♠2 | 3♦3 |
- Stayman
- showing a 4-card major
- showing support of the 4-card major, initiating the convention
Now opener has the following options:
- 3 of the agreed major: a minimum hand and 4333 distribution;
- 3NT: a maximum hand and 4333 distribution;
- 4 of the agreed major: a 5-card major;
- a new suit: 4432 with doubleton in the bid suit.
Responder may then place the final contract, or continue investigating slam.