may be preferred over a 4-4 major fit in certain auctions Responder's rebids As in standard Stayman, Puppet Stayman begins with a 2 response to a 1NT opening and is at least game invitational; this asks opener to bid a 5-card major if he has one and otherwise to bid 2. Over a 2 response, rebids by responder are intended to disclose his distributional features in the majors as well as his strength. The original 1977 and 1978 revised rebids described by Woolsey are tabulated below: Opener and responder continue the bidding having a clearer understanding of each other's distributional features and are better positioned to select the ultimate and level of the contract. Modern applications Many variations to the Puppet Stayman bidding structure have been devised since Woolsey's 1978 summary; partnership review and agreement on the preferred modern treatment is required. Some no longer advocate use of Puppet Stayman over a 1NT opening preferring to use the concept exclusively over a 2NT opening and reserving other Stayman variations and conventions such Jacoby Transfers and Smolen Transfers in search of major-suit fits after a 1NT opening. Responses to a 2NT opening or rebid Puppet Stayman is more commonly used after a 2NT opening than after a 1NT opening. Responses to a 2NT opening or very strong 2NT rebid (20-22 or 23-24): 3 = Puppet Stayman 3 = --> hearts 3 = --> spades 3 = --> 5 spades and 4 hearts 3NT = no 3+ major, to play Responder bids 3 seeking information about opener's major suit holding. Opener replies: 3NT denying a 4 or 5-card major 3 showing a 5-card heart suit 3 showing a 5-card spade suit 3 holding a 4-card major and denying a 5-card major; following this responder bids: 3 showing a 4-card spade suit and denying a 4-card heart suit 3 showing a 4-card heart suit and denying a 4-card spade suit 3NT denying a 4-card major, to play 4 showing 4 spades and 4 hearts, slam try 4 RKCB in hearts 4 to play 4 to play 4NT RKCB in spades 4 showing 4 spades and 4 hearts, you choose 4NT denying a 4-card major, invitational to 6NT By this means all 5-3 and 4-4 major suit fits can be found. An alternative pattern frees up the 2NT-3 sequence as a slam try in the minors. To allow 3-5 spade fits to be found