0022 - Forcing or Not

A bidding agreement that is often overlooked by partnerships is how responder bids after opener repeats his minor suit bid of 1♣ rebidding 2♣ . Most players are aware of the New Minor Forcing (NMF) convention over a 1NT rebid (12-14 hcp), but have not discussed how to proceed after the rebid of a minor (12-14 hcp). This is particularly important when responder holds 5 spades and at least 4 hearts.

Some partnerships might have had the discussion that if responder holds 5 spades and 4 hearts bid spades then bid hearts, but does this bidding sequence show forcing values 10+ hcp or not? How does responder proceed with 7-9 points and 5-4 or 5-5 in the majors.

This analysis is by Geoff Phipps. (see blog Page: Authors)

here is a sample deal ...

In order to solve this problem it works well to play that the bid of 2♥ is natural and nonforcing Alert then opener can pass with 4 hearts or take a preference to spades with fewer than 4 hearts and at least 2 spades. I would recommend that to create a forcing bid the partnership play that the bid of 2♦ (other minor) over the 2♣ bid is artificial and forcing Alert and that opener bids as naturally as possible.

This treatment allows South to bid 2♥ on the example here as nonforcing and lets opener choose what to do. With a better hand (10+ hcp) South must bid 2♦ as responder after opener repeats 2♣. This is forcing and allows partner to bid naturally. This is not a new concept, but requires partnership discussion.

here is the auction for the sample deal ...

West	North	East	South
	1 ♣	Pass	1 ♠
Pass	2 ♣	Pass	2 ♥1
Pass	2 ♠	All pass

1. non forcing

Auction: North deals and with 14 hcp and 6½ losers has a solid opening hand. North opens the bidding with 1♣ with the plans on rebid to bid 2♣. East and West are silent throughout. South with 8 hcp and 7 losers responds 1♠ and North as planned rebids 2♣. The 2♣ limits North's values to an opening hand (12-14 hcp) with nothing extra.

South is in a very awkward position without forcing values and in the auction here, bids 2 ♥ as nonforcing Alert, asking partner (North) to pass or correct to 2♠. South's bid of 2♥ denies tolerance for clubs.

With forcing values of 10+ hcp South would first bid 2♦ as artificial and forcing Alert, asking opener to further define his hand. And like NMF 2♦ would be an asking bid, not a telling bid. 

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