This really is Colin's Eighth Thought - a new one - the last one got above itself and called itself eighth instead of seventh!
This hand came up on Friday against Doreen and Jill. Partner opened 1NT (12-14) and the next hand passes.
♠ J 7 5
♥ 9 6 5 2
♦ A 10 9 5 4
♣ 3
A pass seems automatic, not that we’re very happy about it but there’s no place to go. Or is there?
Why not bid 2♣ Stayman and pass the response? 2♦ should be fine if partner has no major and at worst we will play in a 4-3 spade fit with chances of making some club ruffs. Overall there is every prospect of improving the contract.
More common is to use Stayman on a weak hand with 5-4 in the majors as long as partner knows to pass if it goes 1NT-2♣-2♦-2♠.
Otherwise we really need 11+ for Stayman opposite a weak No Trump. Holding
♠ A 7 4 2, ♥ K 9 8 3, ♦ Q 4, ♣ 10 7 3, Stayman would get us too high if partner has no major, as 1NT-2♣-2♦-2NT is invitational.
So, consider Stayman on weak hands but only bid it if you can deal with all three responses.