~Minor Suit Stayman and Minor Suit Transfers

With a long, weak minor, a weak 5-5 in the minors, or with a strong 5/5 in the minors, bid 2S over partner’s 1NT opener. After the 2S bid, opener responds with
~2NT with longer diamonds than clubs or, if equal in length, better diamonds.
~3C with longer or better clubs than diamonds or that both minors are equal.

Rebids over 2NT (better fit in diamonds than clubs):
~3C: to play. Responder will have a weak one-suiter in clubs.
~3D: to play. Responder will have a weak one-suiter in diamonds or a weak 5-5 in the minors.
~3H: shows both minors, a singleton or void in hearts, and game values or better.
~3S: shows both minors, a singleton or void in spades, and game values or better.
~3NT: shows 5-4 in the minors and low doubletons in the majors, not forcing.
~4NT is natural and invitational with 2-2-5-4 or 2-2-4-5 shape.

Rebids over 3C (better fit in clubs than diamonds or an equal fit):
~Pass: shows a weak one-suiter in clubs or a weak 5-5 in the minors.
3D: is to play. Responder will have a weak one-suiter in diamonds.
~3H: shows both minors, a singleton or void in hearts, and game values or better.
~3S: shows both minors, a singleton or void in spades, and game values or better.
~3NT: shows 5-4 in the minors and low doubletons in the majors, not forcing.
~4NT is natural and invitational with 2-2-5-4 or 2-2-4-5 shape.

Implies that with game values and 5-4 in the minors and 3-1 in the majors, you just bid 3NT instead of 2S.  After 1NT-2S, a NT bid by responder following opener’s 2NT or 3C bid shows exactly 4-5-2-2 or 5-4-2-2 shape.

This system works when responder has
~a weak hand (0-7 HCP) and 6+ cards in either minor
~a weak hand (0-7 HCP) and 5/5 shape in the minors
~4-5-2-2 or 5-4-2-2 shape (the long suits are the minors) and game strength
~5/5 shape in the minors with slam interest. Responder gets to show shape, which major is the splinter, and slam interest—all below the 3NT level.

 

2 Responses to “~Minor Suit Stayman and Minor Suit Transfers”

  1. Kelly Grace Says:

    I’m a fairly new player, but all of my partners are Life Masters and we have to play in the A section at our local Bridge Club—I call it ‘The Shark Tank’!

    Your concise version of MSS helps me to memorize the basics and be more competitive among these seasoned players.

    Thanks,
    Kelly Grace

  2. bridgetips Says:

    Good luck. Ilike the MSS/MST system.

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