Pronunciation: [stˈe͡ɪmən] (IPA) 
The word "stayman" is commonly used in the game of bridge. It refers to a bidding system that allows a partner to show a strong hand with a long suit. The spelling "stayman" follows the rules of English spelling, where a silent "e" is used to indicate a long vowel sound. The word is pronounced as /ˈsteɪmən/, where the first syllable has a long "a" sound and the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound.
Stayman is a conventional bidding technique used in the game of contract bridge. Derived from the name of its creator, Samuel Stayman, it is employed by the responder after the opener has bid one notrump. The primary objective of Stayman is to inquire about the opener's major suit holdings, particularly if the responder holds at least one four-card major suit.
The Stayman convention involves a specific sequence of bids. After the opener's one notrump bid, the responder will typically make a bid of two clubs. This bid serves as an artificial, game-forcing bid, asking the opener to reveal any four-card major suits they hold. Once the opener responds to two clubs, the particular follow-up bids may vary based on the partnership's agreements and system, allowing for various permutations of responses.
The main purpose of Stayman is to facilitate the possibility of landing in a major suit contract rather than settling for a notrump contract. By employing the Stayman convention, the responder can gather valuable information about their partner's major suit holdings, enabling them to make more informed bidding decisions. This technique enhances the partnership's ability to find the optimal contract based on their combined strength and distribution of cards, ultimately increasing their chances of success in the game of bridge.
