PLAY BRIDGE New Minor Forcing - American Contract …

1 play BRIDGE . 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 Q J 10 3, you may choose to rebid 2 to play . You know the opponents have nine or more spades (partner does not have four spades since he didn't rebid 1 ) so 2NT may not be safe. Therefore, you can play 2 in a New Minor Forcing You should use new Minor 5 2 fit. Forcing , which in this case is 2 . If you rebid at the three level, After opener rebids 1NT, however, it's Forcing . Suppose you responder often finds it useful How should partner respond? hold to make a low-level Forcing bid. Partner's first obligation is to A 2 A Q 8 6 4 K Q 5 3 K 2. Frequently this is done to see if support your major (spades in this Opener Responder opener has three-card support for case). His second obligation is to 1 1 . responder's suit. show the strength of his hand. This 1NT 2 . Suppose as responder you hold is a scheme used by many: 2 ?

2 Q 7 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 J 10. 2 = denies three spades or four In this case, you want to force to Consider your bid when the hearts, minimum game and also investigate slam. Bid auction proceeds as follows: 2 = shows four hearts, may be 3 , natural. If you use new Minor Opener Responder minimum or maximum Forcing , then rebid at the three level, 1 1 2 = shows three-card spade it creates a force. 1NT ? support, minimum Playing standard, you would have 2NT = denies four hearts or three Holding both majors no good bid. You have the strength spades, maximum Sometimes you are interested in to rebid 2NT, but you would like 3 = denies four hearts or three both majors. Suppose you hold this to show your five-card heart suit. spades, maximum and shows five hand, Rebidding hearts, however, should diamonds A Q 6 4 3 K Q 8 6 3 7 K 2. show a six-card suit and a non- 3 = shows three-card spade and the bidding is: Forcing hand.

3 Therefore, you may support, maximum Opener Responder choose to raise 1NT to 2NT. The 1 1 . problem with this bid is that if Following up 1NT 2 . opener has a minimum, he would What are the continuations by 2 ? have to pass and you may have responder? If partner shows a You should bid 3 . Remember, a 5 3 heart fit. In fact, 2 may maximum, you are committed to if you rebid at the two level after be the best Contract if partner is game. Remember you promise at partner shows a minimum, partner minimum. least invitational values to use new can pass. You have to rebid at the The most popular method is Minor Forcing . three level to force. to use the unbid Minor suit as responder's Forcing call, hence the If partner shows a minimum, any name new Minor Forcing . In the two-level bid by you can be passed. The devil is in the details example above, responder could If you held the first example hand The above is only a brief intro- bid 2.

4 This promises at least shown above, duction to the topic. Here are some invitational values and is a one- Q 7 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 J 10, other items you and your partner round force. the auction should be this: may wish to discuss. Opener Responder After Forcing bids (by responder). 1 1 at the three level, what do follow- How does it work? 1NT 2 ups mean? Should new Minor Suppose, you have: 2 2NT Forcing apply after this auction? K Q 10 7 4 J 4 2 K 7 5 Q 10, Pass 1 1 . and the auction is: You know partner has a minimum, 1NT ? Opener Responder no heart fit, so you would rebid What if one of the opponents 1 1 2NT and he can pass. But if instead, intervenes does new Minor 1NT ? you held, Forcing still apply? r 44 BRIDGE Bulleti