This conventional method is a variation of the Stayman convention and was devised and developed by Mr. Rafael Absy of Argentina, who authored the publication Le Bridge En Poche in the year 1978, and also the publication Bridge de vanguardia: un methodo simple y nuevo in 1980 (ISBN 9787870210432)

The concept includes the capability to show a 4-card Major suit, deny any 4-card Major suit, or show both 4-card Major suits, and to communicate minimum or maximum values of the No Trump range.

The Absy conventional method is only employed with No Trump ranges between 15 and 18 points. It is not recommended for any other agreed No Trump range.

The conventional method is clarified by the following responses and examples. The conventional method allows the opening No Trump bidder to show minimum values, (designated as a low-force zone), and maximum values, (designated as a high-force zone).

Minimum Values - Low-force Zone

Opener		Responder		Meaning
1 NT				Shows a balanced holding with values ranging from 15 to 18 points.
		2		Requests partner to show a 4-card Major.
2				Denies a 4-card Major suit and values of 15 to 16 points, or minimum values.
2				Shows a 4-card Heart suit and values of 15 to 16 points, or minimum values.
2				Shows a 4-card Spade suit and values of 15 to 16 points, or minimum values.
2 NT				Promises both 4-card Major suits and values of 15 to 16 points, or minimum values.

Maximum Values - High-force Zone

Opener		Responder		Meaning
1 NT				Shows a balanced holding with values ranging from 15 to 18 points.
		2		Requests partner to show a 4-card Major.
3				Denies holding a 4-card Major suit and holding maximum values of 17 to 18 points.
3				Shows both 4-card Major suits and maximum values of 17 to 18 points.
3				Shows a 4-card Heart suit and maximum values of 17 to 18 points.
3				Shows a 4-card Spade suit and maximum values of 17 to 18 points.

Points to Ponder

Once the No Trump bidder has communicated the possession or non-possession of a 4-card Major suit and information about minimum or maximum values, the responder assumes captaincy and establishes the final contract. All rebids by the responder are considered to be the final contract if the second rebid by the responder is not considered to be a forcing bid by the partnership.

The bridge student will recognize that all invitational bids by the responder have been eliminated, one of the advantages of this conventional method since the strength is communicated via the descriptive bid by the No Trump bidder.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.