Checkback Stayman

Quick Summary

Checkback Stayman uses 2♣ after opener’s 1NT rebid to ask about major suit holdings. It’s a way to find 5-3 major fits that regular Stayman can’t uncover.

The Situation

Opener rebids 1NT:

1♦ - 1♥ 1NT - ?

Responder holds: ♠A3 ♥KJ853 ♦Q74 ♣862

With 5 hearts and invitational+ values, you want to know if opener has 3-card heart support. That’s what Checkback discovers!

The Basics

After 1m – 1M – 1NT:

Response Meaning

2♣ Checkback, asking for major info

2♦/2♥ Natural, weak (to play)

2♠ Natural (if 1♥ was response)

2NT Natural, invitational

3♣/3♦ Natural, invitational

Opener’s Rebids After 2♣

After 1♦ – 1♥ – 1NT – 2♣:

Rebid Meaning

2♦ No 3 hearts, no 4 spades

2♥ 3-card heart support

2♠ 4 spades (denies 3 hearts)

2NT 3 hearts AND 4 spades (maximum)

3♥ 3 hearts, maximum

Variations exist, discuss with partner!

Example Auctions

Finding the 5-3 Fit

Opener: ♠K74 ♥Q93 ♦AJ85 ♣K62 (14 HCP) Responder: ♠A3 ♥KJ853 ♦Q74 ♣862 (10 HCP)

1♦ 1♥ 1NT 2♣ (Checkback) 2♥ 3♥ (invite) 4♥

Opener shows 3-card support. Responder invites, opener accepts.

No Fit — Sign Off

Opener: ♠K742 ♥Q9 ♦AJ85 ♣K62 (14 HCP) Responder: ♠A3 ♥KJ853 ♦Q74 ♣862 (10 HCP)

1♦ 1♥ 1NT 2♣ (Checkback) 2♠ 2NT (no fit, invite) Pass

Opener shows 4 spades but not 3 hearts. Responder gives up on hearts.

Weak Hand — No Checkback

Responder: ♠A3 ♥J8532 ♦Q74 ♣862 (7 HCP)

1♦ 1♥ 1NT 2♥ (to play, weak) Pass

With a weak hand, just bid 2♥ — no need to check back.

Checkback vs New Minor Forcing

Both conventions ask about majors after a 1NT rebid, but they differ:

Feature Checkback Stayman New Minor Forcing

Bid Always 2♣ 2♣ or 2♦ (whichever is “new”)

Forcing One round One round

Simplicity Simpler Slightly more complex

Checkback: 2♣ is artificial regardless of opener’s minor NMF: Bid the unbid minor (2♦ after 1♣, 2♣ after 1♦)

Most pairs prefer New Minor Forcing, but Checkback is easier.

The Advantage

Checkback finds 5-3 major fits that get lost in standard methods:

Without Checkback:

1♦ - 1♥ - 1NT - 3♥

This shows 6 hearts. You miss the 5-3 fit!

With Checkback:

1♦ - 1♥ - 1NT - 2♣ - 2♥

Found the fit even with only 5 hearts.

When Responder Has Both Majors

Opener: ♠K74 ♥Q93 ♦AJ85 ♣K62 Responder: ♠AJ73 ♥KJ853 ♦Q4 ♣62

1♦ 1♥ 1NT 2♣ (Checkback) 2♠ (!) 4♠

Opener shows 4 spades (denying 3 hearts). Responder had both majors all along, now you’re in the 4-4 spade fit!

Invitational vs Game-Forcing

Basic Checkback is invitational. For game-forcing hands, some play:

Bid Meaning

2♣ Invitational checkback

2♦ Game-forcing checkback

Or simply: 2♣ = 10+ points (any strength), subsequent bidding reveals invite vs GF.

After 2NT Rebid

Does checkback work after 1m – 1M – 2NT?

Usually no. After a 2NT rebid (18-19), you’re already at a higher level. Many partnerships use: – 3♣ = Puppet Stayman – Direct 3♥/3♠ = 5+ card suit, forcing

Key Takeaways

2♣ after 1NT rebid = Checkback — Asks about majors
Finds 5-3 fits, That normal bidding misses
Invitational strength needed, Don’t check back with nothing
Opener shows shape, 3-card support or 4 of other major
Similar to NMF — But always uses 2♣

See also: New Minor Forcing (related convention), Stayman (original)