Saturday, November 19, 2005 6:12 PM

Forcing Pass - 2/1

PITBULLS:

Sometimes the opponents enter your game forcing auctions 2/1 , Jacoby 2NT , Inverted minors , forcing 2♣ etc. Forcing pass theory should apply in all these auctions. If the fit is advertised like inverted minors or Jacoby 2NT the pass and double and pass & pull all have the standard forcing pass understandings. What if we do not have an advertised fit as in a 2/1 ? Forcing pass theory still applies obviously but the rules are different. A pass just means you do not have a fit with partner and you are going to respect her decision if she wields the axe. If you now pull the double, this is the “pass & pull” slam try. Supporting partner directly should show a minimum raise. Simple stuff.

Qxxx AKJ10x xx Ax , Qxxx AKJ10x x Q10x , Qxxx AKJ10x x AKx . Lets try these hands after you open 1♥ with partner bidding 2♣ and RHO bidding 2♦. With the first hand I pass and wait to hear what partner has to say. She may bid spades , support hearts or double. If it is the latter , that is where they play this hand. The 2^ND hand I just bid 3♣ since I am not leaving the double of 2♦ in as I have too many clubs and will destroy partners defense. The 3^rd hand I pass 2♦ but for a different reason. I plan to pull the double to 3♣ as a slam try.

What about game forcing auctions where you may have relays or Jacoby like responses ? Some people have special understandings that a double took my bid away or it means I have a bid in a suit ranking lower than their suit otherwise you just make your systemic bid and ignore their bid. Too much science even for yours truly. I prefer to play everything off except for forcing pass theory if they enter our game forcing auctions. Our inverted minors are a special case. They can be fit showing or a balanced hand. The double should be systemic to identify the balanced hand and a bid shows the minor fit. With Jacoby 2NT , standard fit showing forcing pass theory applies rather than science.

1♠-P-2NT-3♦ ? forcing pass theory says you pass with shortness in diamonds and a willingness for offensive action. A double shows diamonds or warning partner that you may have quick diamond losers. A Q bid in a suit should imply a diamond control as you failed to double. Bidding your trump suit should show a minimum but shortness in diamonds as you did not double. When the opponents enter your forcing auctions, milk them for the maximum amount of information you can give partner. Always remember that they are allowed to play the contract doubled ( Steve Williard & Osama ) . Comments and/or suggestions ?