Friday, September 02, 2005 8:43 PM

Hand Evaluation - Forcing Pass ( No Fit )

PITBULLS:

Every Bridge player knows or should know when we own the auction “forcing pass” theory kicks in. Forcing pass theory is not just confined to the game level or sacrificing situations . In a forcing to game auction when they interfere , the default understanding is forcing pass theory. Lets discuss a few auctions . We start with a 2/1 auction so they interfere with a T/O double. When they come uninvited to our forcing auction the name of the game is a fit. Is there a fit for partner or no fit ? With a fit for partner , you ignore the double as the fit detracts from your defense so you are not leaving in the eventual penalty double anyway. You raise partner or splinter or bid one of their implied suits as a Q bid. Bidding implies a fit or else you would give partner the opportunity to punish them for penalty.

What are the “non fit” bids when the opponents make a T/O double in your forcing auction ? Bidding NT is a rare bid possibly only bid when you are vul & they are not . Therefore , the only non fit bids with forcing pass theory are pass and redouble. The opponents with their double have given your partnership an opportunity to give more information , so let’s take advantage of it. A pass means you just have an opener or better , no length in their suits and no fit with partner . A redouble says you have extra with no fit for partner, These bids usually result in the opponents playing the hand doubled. One exception though is the pass & pull which of course is a slam try.

What if they just bid a suit after a 2/1 ? Again with a big fit , you just ignore their bid & make your natural bid. This leaves two alternatives to show the non fit hands pass & double. The double is obvious so a pass is just “getting out of the way” for partner to double if she chooses. A pass does not show a minimum as you would pass with 20 HCP if you have no fit , nor their suit.

How about systemic bids that announce a fit & are forcing to game like Jacoby 2NT ? You can have complex understandings here as some partnerships do but the best in my opinion is just use the basics of forcing pass theory. A Q bid means you have more on your mind. A double shows duplication & a minimum so may be our last opportunity for a plus. A pass means no slam interest , a minimum with nothing in their suit so “getting out of the way “ for your partner to double. Some partnerships use a double saying I have a systemic bid below their suit or a double means they took my bid away etc . I prefer just defaulting to forcing pass theory.

By the way, when responder has not limited her hand , forcing pass theory is in effect by default. The auction goes

1♦-P-1♥-P

2♦-2♠-X . This is a plain old fashioned penalty double as opener has limited her hand but responder has not limited her hand. She is also “behind” the suit.

Going back to my original comment that forcing pass theory is the default , in all auctions where you own the hand. In the IMP pairs at the Edm regional a tormentee violated forcing pass theory so it cost her the event . She was about to win 10 IMPS , instead lost 12 IMPs for a 22 IMP swing. She lost the event by a mere 13 IMPS. She opened 1NT vul , the opponents interfered with a 2♣ bid showing a single suiter. Partner made a forcing bid in hearts , RHO bid 4♣ , pass & they converted to 4♦. Partner contracted for a vulnerable game by bidding 4♥ so they bid 5♦ . The tormentee had an excellent hand for hearts . A forcing pass at the 5 level tells partner that you have an excellent hand for hearts with a preference to bid 5♥ instead of defending. You pass , partner says thanks but no thanks & doubles them for +500 instead of you going for 500 in 5♥X because you took a bid. Forcing passes – do not leave home without them !