This week we are looking at various aspects of the Stayman convention, which tries to find a 4-4 major-suit fit after opener 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 he 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, he continues with two spades if one no-trump - two no-trump would not be natural (perhaps a transfer to diamonds). But if one no-trump - two no-trump would be inviting three no-trump, the responder rebids two no-trump.

When the responder has game-forcing values, he jumps to three no-trump. If, as in this deal, the opener is 4-4 in the majors, he moves the contract from three no-trump to four spades.

West leads the club queen. East takes dummy's king with his ace and returns the club eight (the higher of two remaining cards). When that holds the trick, East shifts to the heart king. How should South continue after winning this trick with his ace?

South must avoid a spade loser. This will be easy if the suit splits 3-2, but what if an opponent has four to the jack? This can be handled only if it is East with the length. South should cash his spade king, then play a spade to dummy's ace. When the bad break comes to light, South finesses his spade 10, draws the last trump, and runs the diamonds for his contract.

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