stayman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized / TechnicalTechnical / Formal (within bridge community)
Quick answer
What does “stayman” mean?
A convention in contract bridge where a response of two clubs to an opening bid of one no-trump asks partner to show a four-card major suit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A convention in contract bridge where a response of two clubs to an opening bid of one no-trump asks partner to show a four-card major suit.
In broader card game contexts, it can refer to any conventional bid used to explore for a major suit fit after a no-trump opening. The term is eponymous, derived from the surname of bridge expert Samuel Stayman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US bridge players. The convention is standardized internationally.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. May connote intermediate to advanced level of bridge knowledge.
Frequency
Equally frequent in bridge literature and play in both UK and US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stayman” in a Sentence
Partner [verb: opened] one no-trump, so I [verb: bid] Stayman.We [verb: play] Stayman over a strong no-trump.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stayman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- With that hand, you should definitely Stayman.
- They Staymaned and found their heart fit.
American English
- I plan to Stayman if partner opens 1NT.
- She Staymaned, and we reached the optimal contract.
adjective
British English
- The Stayman response is mandatory in our system.
- We had a lengthy Stayman auction.
American English
- Our Stayman structure includes Smolen transfers.
- He forgot our Stayman agreements.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in academic papers on game theory or bridge strategy.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of card game contexts.
Technical
The primary context. Used in bridge manuals, tournament commentary, and player discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stayman”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stayman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stayman”
- Using 'Stayman' to refer to any conventional bid (it's specific to the 2♣ response).
- Pronouncing it as /steɪˈmɑːn/ (stress is on the first syllable).
- Capitalizing it inconsistently (often capitalized as it's a proper name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it is used after a strong (15-17 points) or standard no-trump opening. Some systems also use it after a weak no-trump, but agreements vary between partnerships.
The standard response with no four-card major is two diamonds. This is a negative response, denying a major.
While specifically designed for bridge, similar 'asking bid' concepts may be adapted in other complex trick-taking partnership games, but the term 'Stayman' remains firmly associated with bridge.
It often is, as it derives from a surname. However, through common use in the bridge community, it is sometimes seen in lowercase ('stayman'), especially when used as a verb (e.g., 'to stayman'). Both forms are understood.
A convention in contract bridge where a response of two clubs to an opening bid of one no-trump asks partner to show a four-card major suit.
Stayman is usually technical / formal (within bridge community) in register.
Stayman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STAY' in the MAjor suit - Stayman helps you find where to stay (play) in a major suit.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BID IS A QUESTION. Stayman is a specific, coded question asked of one's partner.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the Stayman convention?