This week we are looking at the Stayman convention, whose primary job is to try to find a 4-4 major-suit fit after opener immediately shows a balanced hand.

When the opening bid is one no-trump and responder bids two clubs, it asks opener to show a four-card major. If opener has two of them, he rebids two hearts. Then, what does the responder do when he has four spades and fewer than four hearts?

If he has game-invitational strength, it depends upon system. If one no-trump - two no-trump is natural, showing about nine points and inviting game, then responder continues with two no-trump. Since he used Stayman, he must have a four-card major, and since he has not raised hearts, he must hold four spades. But if one no-trump - two no-trump is not natural, perhaps a transfer to diamonds, responder rebids two spades.

Opener is expected to place the final contract. Here, with an absolute maximum, he signs off in three no-trump.

After West leads the diamond king, what should South do?

Declarer has six top tricks and at least three more can come from the clubs. However, if East has the club king, there is a risk the opponents will collect four diamond tricks to defeat you. The answer? Duck the first trick. If West leads another diamond, it gives you two diamond tricks. If West shifts, you win in hand and run the club 10 (or queen).

Ducking with the A-J-x is called the Bath Coup because this play was first recognized in that English city when whist was popular.

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