A new suit bid from the RH at the two level is always “Drop-Dead” and looks for the best possible part score in a suit. Both partners should bid as economically as possible («cycle») until a fit (at least 4-3) has been reached. This convention makes it possible to come to an abrupt stop after the relay (2) which proves not to take you anywhere. In the worst case scenario you will land in a 4-3 fit. If the RH returns with 2as a ”Drop-Dead” over the reply 2 (which denies 4), and the OH has max a doubleton , he should bid 2NT with a 2-3-4-5 or a 2-2-5-4 distribution, whereupon the RH bids his best minor suit (3 if 3-3)as a sign off. However, if the OH has opened with a 6 card m and a doubleton he should bid his 6 card suit directly, and he will for sure be in the very best part score: Examples: 1NT - 2 2 - ? Pass = At least 3+ and not 4. 2 = 3+ and not 3+. 3/ = For play with 6 m. (2-2-6-3/2-2-3-6). 1NT - 2 2 - ? 2NT = Choose between the m. 3/ = For play with 6 card suit. There is one exception in which the RH can bid «Drop-Dead Stayman» with a natural invitational hand. With at least one 4 card M, 8-9HP and short suit (can even be in ) the RH should check the possibility of 4-4 fit in M. If such fit is not there, he can return with 2NT as a natural INV. You must always go through 2 to invite to 3NT with a SEMI(BAL) hand. The real value of the “Drop-Dead” Stayman is that it enables you to bid 2 on nearly every hand, and therefore, the opponents will not be so willing to enter into the bidding. “Smolen”
A new suit bid from the RH at the two level is always “Drop-Dead” and looks for the best possible part score in a suit. Both partners should bid as economically as possible («cycle») until a fit (at least 4-3) has been reached. This convention makes it possible to come to an abrupt stop after the relay (2) which proves not to take you anywhere. In the worst case scenario you will land in a 4-3 fit. If the RH returns with 2as a ”Drop-Dead” over the reply 2 (which denies 4), and the OH has max a doubleton , he should bid 2NT with a 2-3-4-5 or a 2-2-5-4 distribution, whereupon the RH bids his best minor suit (3 if 3-3)as a sign off. However, if the OH has opened with a 6 card m and a doubleton he should bid his 6 card suit directly, and he will for sure be in the very best part score: Examples: 1NT - 2 2 - ? Pass = At least 3+ and not 4. 2 = 3+ and not 3+. 3/ = For play with 6 m. (2-2-6-3/2-2-3-6). 1NT - 2 2 - ? 2NT = Choose between the m. 3/ = For play with 6 card suit. There is one exception in which the RH can bid «Drop-Dead Stayman» with a natural invitational hand. With at least one 4 card M, 8-9HP and short suit (can even be in ) the RH should check the possibility of 4-4 fit in M. If such fit is not there, he can return with 2NT as a natural INV. You must always go through 2 to invite to 3NT with a SEMI(BAL) hand. The real value of the “Drop-Dead” Stayman is that it enables you to bid 2 on nearly every hand, and therefore, the opponents will not be so willing to enter into the bidding. “Smolen”