Puppet stayman

1NT : 3 as Puppet

Some players prefer to use 1NT : 3 as game-forcing Puppet Stayman, showing a 3- or 4-card major but denying 4-4 majors. This allows regular 2 Stayman to do the work of showing 5-4 hands, 4-4 hands, and Garbage Stayman hands. Of course, this gives up the ability to use 3 as a natural bid.

Opener's responses to 3 are:

3,     Denies a 5-card major. May have a 4-card major.

3,     5-card heart suit.

3,     5-card spade suit.

2NT: 3 as Puppet

Another popular method is Puppet opposite a 2NT opener. Responder has game-going strength and at least one 3-card major. However, this auction loses the ability to show 5-4 majors.

Opener's responses to 3 are:

3,   Promises at least one 4-card major. Denies a 5-card major.


3,   5-card heart suit.


3,   5-card spade suit.


3NT,   To play. Denies a 4- or 5-card major.

After opener's 3, responder's rebids are:

3,   4-card SPADE suit. Denies 4 hearts.


3,   4-card HEART suit. Denies 4 spades.


3NT,  To play. Denies a 4-card major.


4, 4-4 in the majors with slam interest.


4, 4-4 in the majors without slam interest.