Class No. 8 – Wednesday, Mar 3, 2010

1 Notrump Forcing
Playing 2/1 Game Force a 2-level bid of a lower ranking suit by an unpassed responder (e.g., 1H - 2D ) is now game forcing and no longer available as a natural bid describing intermediate values. Thus, the Forcing Notrump (1 NtF) is used in response to an opening bid of 1M and promises 6 to 11 hcp. The 1NtF is artificial, conventional and forcing for one round (F1) asking opener to further define his hand and subsequent rebids will further define responder’s hand.

This workshop now defines how responder shows intermediate values and describes fits, shapes and values. At the conclusion of this class participants should understand:

1. The 1NtF bid as a temporizing bid.
2. Opener’s rebids to show shape and values.
3. Responder’s direct/delayed bids to show fits and values.
4. A more extensive spectrum of partnership raises.
5. Use of the 1NtF convention by a passed hand.