Smolen

Quick Summary

Smolen is a convention used after Stayman when responder has 5-4 in the majors and game-forcing values. It ensures the strong hand (notrump opener) becomes declarer.

The Problem It Solves

You hold: ♠AJ975 ♥KQ84 ♦62 ♣73

Partner opens 1NT. You want to find a major fit, so you bid 2♣ (Stayman). Partner bids 2♦ (no 4-card major).

Without Smolen: You bid 3♠ (showing 5 spades). If partner raises to 4♠, the weak hand is declarer — the opening lead comes through partner’s tenaces.

With Smolen: You bid 3♥ (your 4-card suit), showing 5 spades. Partner bids 3♠ or 3NT, remaining declarer.

The Basics

After 1NT – 2♣ – 2♦:

Responder’s Bid Meaning

3♥ 5 spades, 4 hearts, game-forcing

3♠ 5 hearts, 4 spades, game-forcing

Memory trick: Bid the 4-card suit at the 3-level. This shows 5 of the other major.

How It Works

Auction with Smolen

1NT 2♣ 2♦ 3♥ (4 hearts, 5 spades, GF) 3♠ 4♠

Opener bids 3♠ with 3+ spades (accepting the spade fit). The 1NT opener is declarer!

Opener’s Rebids After Smolen

After 1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 3♥ (5 spades, 4 hearts):

Opener Bids Meaning

3♠ 3+ spades, accepts the fit

3NT Only 2 spades, no fit

4♥ 3+ hearts (rare, but possible with 3-3)

After 1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 3♠ (5 hearts, 4 spades):

Opener Bids Meaning

4♥ 3+ hearts, accepts the fit

3NT Only 2 hearts, no fit

4♠ 3+ spades (less common)

Example Hands

Example 1: Finding the Spade Fit

Opener: ♠K83 ♥A5 ♦KQJ4 ♣AJ72 (16 HCP) Responder: ♠AQ974 ♥KJ84 ♦62 ♣53 (10 HCP)

1NT 2♣ 2♦ 3♥ (5♠, 4♥, GF) 3♠ 4♠

Opener has 3 spades. The strong hand is declarer with tenaces protected.

Example 2: No Fit, Play 3NT

Opener: ♠K5 ♥Q3 ♦AKJ74 ♣AQ85 (18 HCP) Responder: ♠AJ974 ♥K862 ♦62 ♣73 (9 HCP)

1NT 2♣ 2♦ 3♥ (5♠, 4♥, GF) 3NT Pass

Opener has only 2 spades. 3NT is the best game.

Example 3: Smolen with Hearts

Opener: ♠Q4 ♥K73 ♦AKQ5 ♣KJ84 (18 HCP) Responder: ♠KJ84 ♥AQ952 ♦62 ♣73 (10 HCP)

1NT 2♣ 2♦ 3♠ (5♥, 4♠, GF) 4♥ Pass

Responder bids 3♠ to show 5 hearts. Opener has 3-card support, bids game.

Why Right-Side the Contract?

Having the strong hand as declarer: 1. Protects tenaces, Lead comes up to AQ, KJ holdings 2. Hides strength, Defenders see less information 3. Standard practice, Partnerships expect it

Compare these two contracts:

Weak hand declares (bad): – Lead through ♠AQ = instant trick for defense

Strong hand declares (good): – Lead up to ♠AQ = declarer wins cheaply

Smolen vs Transfers

Method Who Declares Complexity

Transfers Opener (good) Simple

Smolen Opener (good) Medium

Bidding naturally Responder (bad) Simple

With 5-4 majors, Smolen is better than transferring because: – You’ve already bid Stayman (can’t transfer now) – Bidding your 5-card suit naturally wrong-sides the contract

Extended Smolen

Some partnerships extend Smolen to include:

Slam Interest

1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 4♥ = 5 spades, 4 hearts, slam try
1NT – 2♣ – 2♦ – 4♠ = 5 hearts, 4 spades, slam try

After 2NT Opening

2NT – 3♣ – 3♦ – 4♥ = 5 spades, 4 hearts, GF (already at game)
Some use Puppet Stayman instead after 2NT

Smolen vs Puppet Stayman

Both find 5-3 major fits. The difference:

Smolen Puppet Stayman

After Stayman gets 2♦ Direct 3♣ over 2NT

Shows 5-4 specifically Asks about opener’s majors

Simple to remember Finds 5-3 OR 4-4

Only over 1NT (usually) Usually over 2NT

Key Takeaways

Bid your 4-card major — 3♥ = 5♠/4♥, 3♠ = 5♥/4♠
Game-forcing values required, not for invitational hands
Right-sides the contract, strong hand declares
Only after 2♦ response — when Stayman finds no fit
Simple memory trick, bid SHORT, show LONG

See also: Stayman (prerequisite), Puppet Stayman (alternative approach after 2NT)