Bidding practice
The most widely-played natural bidding system in North America. 5-card majors, strong 1NT (15-17), strong 2C, weak twos, Stayman, and Jacoby transfers.
North is the dealer. No one has bid yet. What is North’s opening call?
North
♠
Q 8 7 3
♥
A 3
♦
10 6 3
♣
A K Q 8
HCP: 15
Shape: 4-2-3-4
Balanced: yes
Planning
Stayman Convention: As a responder to a 1NT opening, with 8+ HCP and at least one 4-card major, we bid 2C to ask partner about their majors. Opener responds: 2D (no 4-card major), or his 4c major. If you hold both, you should (by agreement), bid the hearts first. After finding a 4-4 fit, we can place the contract appropriately. Stayman can also be used with a 2NT opening.