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Choice after Garbage Stayman


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Oops. Can't change topic subtitle? Should be "5-2 or 4-3"...

Auction begins 1NT-2C, 2D-2H. You have 3=2=4=4 shape. Assume partner's 2H guarantees 5x hearts and 4x spades and a very weak hand.

 

Do you play in the 5-2 heart fit or the 4-3 spade fit? Do honour placement or spot values affect the decision?

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With a WEAK 4s/5h.... transfer to and forget about .

 

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The form of Trash Stayman I prefer is Responder with 4/4, 5/5 or 5s/4h , WEAK .

 

Therefore, Opener with equal or longer , corrects to 2S,

but PASS with longer .

So, with longer , you may be playing in the 4-3 fit rather than the possible 5-2 fit in .

But at least you wouldn't be playing in the 4-2 fit when Responder is 4/4 .

 

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The reason for playing the way I prefer, is that the following auction in considered INVITATIONAL :

1NT - 2C

2D - 2S = 5s/4h invite.

 

But I realize some play this as a "2nd" trash sequence -- the 1st being your sequence with the 4s/5h holding.

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With no clear strength difference in the two suits I would play in the 4-3 probably, as long as you are comfortable in Moysians (And most intermediate and beginning players I know are not). I would want the lead running into the strong hand. If there is a clear strength difference, I will probably play in the stronger of the suits.
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I would almost always choose the 5-2 heart fit in your hypothetical. However, it is purely a hypothetical, as playing garbage stayman and not being able to bid it with 5-5 in the majors seems quite bad. The reason you correct with 3-2 is that partner might have 5-5 or even some 4-4s.
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I would almost always choose the 5-2 heart fit in your hypothetical. However, it is purely a hypothetical, as playing garbage stayman and not being able to bid it with 5-5 in the majors seems quite bad. The reason you correct with 3-2 is that partner might have 5-5 or even some 4-4s.

Exactly, I play a weak no trump and will sometimes move with a bad 4-4 where it's important to play in the 4-3 rather than the 4-2.

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