to game opposite a standard 2NT showing 20-21 points). It also promises distribution that is not 4333. By invoking the Stayman convention, the responder takes control of the bidding since strength and distribution of the opener's hand is already known within a limited range. The opener responds with the following rebids. 2 (3) denies four or more cards in either major suit. 2 (3) shows at least four hearts (also meeting the criteria for an honor holding as may be set by partnership agreement). 2 (3) shows at least four spades (also meeting the criteria for an honor holding as may be set by partnership agreement). A notrump opener should have neither a suit longer than five cards nor more than one 5-card suit since an opening notrump bid shows a balanced hand. A notrump bidder who has at least four cards in each major suit normally responds in hearts, as this can still allow a spade fit to be found. Variant methods are to bid the longer or stronger major, with a preference given to spades, or to use 2NT to show both majors. In the standard form of Stayman over 1NT, the responder has a number of options depending on his partner's answer: If the notrump opener names a major suit and the responder has four cards in that suit, the responder bids three of the notrump bidder's suit (invitational) with 8-9 HCP or four of the notrump bidder's major suit (game) with 10 or more HCP. If the notrump bidder bids a major suit in which the responder does not have at least four cards, the responder may bid 2NT (invitational) with 8-9 HCP or 3NT (game) with 10 or more HCP. However, if responder has 5 cards in the unnamed major, he may bid it at a convenient level in an attempt to find a 5-3 fit. If the notrump bidder bids 2, the opener denies a four-card major. With 4-5 distribution in the majors, the responder may bid this five-card suit with a call of 2 with 8-9 HCP, or with a call of 3 with 10 HCP. This allows notrump bidder to find game in a major with a 5-3 split. Without a 4-5 distribution in the majors, responder bids the appropriate notrump contract. Over these bids, the notrump bidder (1) with a maximum hand (17 HCP), goes to game over an invitational bid