The
following is a complex set of methods designed to accurately investigate the
level and strain to play in by replacing standard fourth suit game forcing
methods. It should only be
considered by partnerships who want the extra work of a new method in return
for some neat results every now and then.
Note that GI is Game Invitational, GF is Game Force, and HCP is High
Card Points.
The method
works well with a recommended approach, using the two of a major jump response
to an opening bid as GI or near GI, 6 or longer in suit (2NT then asks for
shortage). Thus 1C-2H, 1C-2S,
1D-2H, 1D-2S, 1H-2S are all GI or near GI, with 6+ in the suit bid. This keeps the bidding low on misfits,
but also finds many games and slams harder to bid in standard.
Used after responder bids a suit at one level and opener shows second suit, but not a jump shift or reverse - now responder can make the following natural standard style bids:
a) Pass to signoff in opener’s second suit.
b) Responder’s suit at the two level as signoff.
c) Responder’s suit at the three level as GI, but as opposed to standard a strong GI.
d) Responder’s suit at the four level to play in game, but more likely based on distributional values not HCP.
e) Opener’s second suit at the two level as simple NF raise.
f) Opener’s second suit at the four level to play in game, but more likely based on distributional values not HCP.
g) Opener’s first suit at the two level is just a preference if bidding already at two level.
h) Opener’s first suit at the three level as GI if the bidding already at the two level.
i) 2NT is GI.
j) 3NT to play.
k) Opener’s first suit at the four level as a singleton/void in the suit and support for opener’s second suit.
In addition to the above, responder can make the following bids that are not standard practice in shape and/or values:
a) Opener’s second suit at the three level as GF, may have slam interest.
b) Opener’s first suit at the two level if bidding was at the one level shows any GI hand, or if in Cs can also be a signoff.
c) Opener’s first suit at the three level as GF if opener had rebid at one level.
d) Fourth suit forcing as either any GF, or a GI bid in opener’s second suit, or a hand intending to pass the cheapest suit bid if it is made.
e) A jump to three of the fourth suit if not Ss is GI with 5-5 or better. If Ss it is a splinter in support of opener’s second suit.
f) 1C-1D-1H-1S as a two way bid: either natural F with Ss but can have minimum values, or a GI hand in Hs. To use fourth suit forcing after 1C-1D-1H, bid 2S (see fourth suit forcing).
g) 1D-1H-1S-2C as a two way bid: either like fourth suit forcing approach above or a D signoff.
These sequences are described in detail next sections.
Add Note on Signoff and on GI in hearts after 1c-1d-1h (use 1s as two way).
[Description]
After a one level suit opening, a non-jump new suit response, and then a rebid by opener in a new suit, not a jump or reverse, then a bid in the fourth suit is artificial and forcing. It shows a game forcing hand with no other good bid, or a game invitational hand in opener’s second suit. It also applies after 1D-1S-2D which shows 3+Hs, where 3C is fourth suit forcing.
There are two exceptions to the method:
1) 1D-1H-1S-2C can also be a D signoff.
2) 1C-1D-1H-2S is the fourth suit forcing, not 1S, and it does not have a GI in Hs (opener’s second suit).
[After Gold Fourth Suit Forcing]
After the fourth suit ask by responder, opener can bid:
a) The cheapest suit bid shows a hand that would not accept a GI bid in opener’s second suit, or if the bid is not actually the second suit, any fairly minimum hand. After this if responder now bids opener’s second suit at the lowest level it shows the GI bid in the suit. All other sequences are GF, though responder is allowed to also pass the cheapest suit bid response (e.g. 1H-1S-2C-2D-2H-pass). Note that over the fourth suit ask by responder, all bids by opener but the cheapest suit bid establishes a GF.
b) 2NT to show Qx or JTx or better in the fourth suit. Responder should now ask with fourth suit if needs full stopper.
c) 3NT if a jump shows two stoppers in the fourth suit; if not a jump just promises a stopper.
d) Not including the cheapest suit bid, the cheapest bid of responder’s suit shows at least two in suit (may have three but just promises two when bid), and if just two then no other lower bid would have described hand.
e) In two sequences, a replacement bid is made available for the lost of the cheapest suit bid.:
· After 1H-1S-2D-3C, opener’s rebid of 3H shows a 3D rebid that has extra HCP and/or extra shape.
· After 1D-1H-2C-2S, opener’s rebid of 3S shows a 3C rebid that has extra HCP and/or extra shape.
f) All other bids are natural, GF.
Exceptions:
- After 1D-1H-1S-2C which may be a D signoff, opener usually bids 2D if has hand that would pass a D signoff. If opener does not bid 2D, all sequences are forcing to game, except if responder rebids 3D, implying a minimumD signoff type hand opener can pass (with a maximum signoff bid 3NT or 5D).
- After 1C-1D-1H, 2S is the fourth suit forcing bid, but does not have GI in Hs. 3C by opener in reply to 2S still shows the minimum hand.
Examples:
|
a) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S KJ52 H 52 H KQ87 D QT D
9765 C AQ874 C
2 |
1C-1D- 1S-2H- 2S-Pass |
2H is fourth suit forcing, can be a GI in Ss (a hand that would bid 1C-1D-1S-3S in standard). |
|
b) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S KJ2 H 52 H KQ87 D QT D
AK765 C AQ874 C
2 |
1C-1D- 1S-2H- 2S-2NT- 3NT |
2H is fourth suit forcing, 2S showed a minimum, 2NT is natural GF. |
|
c) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S J52 H 52 H KQ87 D QT43 D
97652 C AQ8 C
2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2C- 2D-Pass |
2C is fourth suit forcing but it can be a D signoff; opener bids 2D and responder passes. |
|
d) |
|
|
|
S Q3 S A76 H 5 H KQ872 D KQT43 D 765 C AQ874 C
K2 |
1D-1H- 2C-2S- 2NT-3NT |
2S is fourth suit forcing, 2NT shows a GF with at least Qx in Ss. |
|
e) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S KJ52 H 52 H KQ87 D QT4 D
976 C AQ82 C
J3 |
1C-1H- 1S-2D- 2H-2S |
2D is fourth suit forcing, 2H shows a minimum and 2S shows a GI in Ss. |
|
f) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S K52 H 52 H KQ873 D QT43 D
J76 C AQ8 C
KJ |
1D-1H- 1S-2C- 2D-2H- etc. |
2C is fourth suit forcing but it can be a D signoff; opener bids 2D and responder bids 2H GF. Lots of room to bid now. |
|
g) |
|
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S AQ87 S K52 H 52 H KQ87 D KQT43 D 97652 C AQ C
2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2C- 2NT-3NT |
2C is fourth suit forcing but it can be a D signoff; opener bids 2NT since game still possible. and responder simply raises to 3NT with some values. |
|
h) |
|
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S AT S K852 H AQ932 H 87 D QT43 D
AK765 C 54 C 62 |
1H-1S- 2D-3C- 3D-Pass |
3C is fourth suit forcing but it can be a GI in Ds; opener bids 3D with a minimum and responder passes. Not a bad game – perhaps the opponents will double 3C to help us find it. |
|
i) |
|
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S 8 S KQJ92 H 652 H QT87 D AQT43 D 95 C AQ82 C
J76 |
1D-1S- 2C-2H- 2S-Pass |
2His fourth suit forcing, 2S showed a minimum and responder decides to play it there. |
|
j) |
|
|
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S 87 S QJ52 H AQJ52 H K7 D JT D 652 C AT83 C KJ72 |
1H-1S- 2C-2D- 2H-Pass |
2D is fourth suit forcing, 2H shows a minimum, and responder decides to pass. |
[Gold Fourth Suit Forcing after Double]
If opponents double Gold Fourth Suit pass by opener shows a minimum, all other bids are GF except the sequence 1D-1H-1S-2C-Double-Pass-Pass-2D which shows a D signoff (since here 2C can be bid with a D signoff). After opener’s pass, by responder redouble is passable takeout, the cheapest bid in opener’s second suit is GI, and all other bids are GF.
[Description]
After a one level minor suit opening, a suit response and opener’s suit rebid, all at the one level, then responder’s rebid of opener’s first suit is a GI bid with any hand without another good bid. It can be quite short in opener’s suit. Responder does not have 6+ in own suit unless suit is not rebidable. If opener’s minor suit opening was 1C, the hand may also be a C signoff.
The sequences where this method applies are: 1C-1D-1H-2C, 1C-1D-1S-2C, 1C-1H-1S-2C, and
1D-1H-1S-2S.
[After Gold First Suit GI]
Opener can make the following bids to show a minimum hand:
a) Pass to show 6+ in the suit and not much extra HCP; this allows the bidding to stay low on a misfit.
b) 2NT to show a stopper in the fourth suit, and at most two in responder’s suit.
c) Bid two of responder’s suit to show 2+ in the suit. Prefer 2NT with just 2 in the suit.
d) Bid two of opener’s second suit to show a singleton or void in responder’s and no other good bid.
Opener can make the following bids to show extras:
a) Bid 3m to show 6+ in the suit bid, not 3 in responder’s suit, and some extras but the bid is NF.
b) Bid the fourth suit to establish a force to 3NT or 4 of a minor unless responder’s had a C signoff (when opener’s minor is Cs).
c) Bid above 3m which is game forcing on responder. A bid of three of responder’s suit promises 3 in the suit.
[After Opener’s Rebid]
If opener has made a minimum opening bid, then all bids are NF, exploring for best part score. It is still possible to reach game if a decent fit is uncovered and both partners are encouraged. If opener has bid two of responder’s suit and responder then bids 2NT, opener is to correct back to responder’s suit with a fit.
A bid of the fourth suit by responder is natural, non-forcing if opener did not rebid in responder’s suit, and if opener did rebid in the suit then it is artificial, looking for the best place to play. For example 1C-1D-1S-2C-2D-2H would be investigating other part scores such as 2S, 2NT, or 3C.
If opener has a made a non-minimum opening bid, then all bids are forcing to 3NT to 4m, except the cheapest C rebid when opener’s suit is Cs, which is used to show the C signoff type hand. Note that when opener’s suit is Cs and opener bids above 3C in reply to 2C, then it shows a really good hand willing to reach 3NT or 4C opposite a C signoff. Generally after a 2C bid opener should prefer to bid the fourth suit with more than a minimum in order to give responder a chance to rebid 3C with a signoff. However after 1D-1H-1S-2D, opener is free to bid above 3D with extras since responder always has GI values.
Examples:
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a) |
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S AT87 S K52 H 52 H KQ872 D QT D K7 C AQ874 C
632 |
1C-1H- 1S-2C- 2H-Pass |
2C is Gold GI, 2H shows 2+Hs and a minimum, and responder decides to pass. |
|
b) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S 642 H 52 H
KQT87 D T D
KQ765 C AQT874 C
2 |
1C-1H- 1S-2C- Pass |
2C is Gold GI which is passed by opener on the misfit. |
|
c) |
|
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S AT87 S J52 H 52 H KQ87 D QT43 D K7652 C AQ8 C
2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2D- 2NT-3D- Pass |
2D is Gold GI, 2NT shows a minimum with a C stopper, 3D says this is best spot. |
|
d) |
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S QT43 S A76 H 5 H KQ872 D KQT4 D 765 C AQ87 C
J2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2D- 2S-2NT |
2D is Gold GI, 2S shows a singleton or void in Hs, 2NT says lets play here. |
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e) |
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S AT87 S KJ5 H J2 H KQ72 D JT4 D
97 C AQ82 C
JT43 |
1C-1H- 1S-2C- 2H-2S- Pass |
2C is Gold GI, 2H shows a minimum and 2S shows a GI with 3Ss. |
|
f) |
|
|
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S AT87 S K52 H 52 H KQ873 D KQT3 D
J76 C AQ8 C
T2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2D- 3NT-Pass |
2D is Gold GI, 3NT shows enough to accept GI. |
|
g) |
|
|
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S AQ87 S K52 H 52 H KT87 D KQT43 D A7652 C AQ C
2 |
1D-1H- 1S-2D- 3C-3D- 3NT-? |
2D is Gold GI, 3C accepted the GI, 3D showed Ds, and the auction can continue. |
|
h) |
|
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|
S AT62 S J8 H T92 H
Q875 D QT D
J5 C AKT5 C
QJ962 |
1C-1H- 1S-2C- 2D-3C- Pass |
2C is Gold GI (this time with a signoff), 2D is fourth suit forcing but responder bids 3C to show a C signoff. |
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i) |
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S A843 S KQJ H 652 H QT874 D AQT42 D
J5 C A C J76 |
1D-1H- 1S-2D- 3H-4H |
2D is Gold GI, 3H shows a GF with 3Hs (can jump since 2D never D signoff). |
|
j) |
|
|
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S 87 S J52 H AQJ5 H K7 D J D
Q652 C AQT853 C KJ72 |
1C-1D- 1H-2C- 3C-4C- Pass |
2C is Gold GI, 3C show 6+, 4C was natural raise, and opener had no more. |
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[The 1D-1H-1S-2C sequence]
This Gold Fourth Suit Forcing sequence may have a GF, a GI in Ss, or a D signoff. Opener usually bids 2D, over which responder usually will bid 2H or 2S, or pass with a D signoff. 2S shows a GI in Ss and is NF. 2H is a GF with 5+Hs, and leaves lots of room for the auction to unwind.
[Using the new direct GF bids]
Responder’s rebid of opener’s second suit on the three level is a GF and should be used instead of fourth suit forcing when there is a clear direction that this the most likely strain to be in. This is the distinction between three and four of opener’s second suit: the bid of four of the shows game going values but based on distribution not HCP. Thus 1D-1H-1S-4S is based on a distribution hand, such as 6Hs & 4Ss but not enough HCP to splinter.
Over a one level bid, responder’s rebid of opener’s first suit on the three level is a GF and should be used with a good fit for the suit and usually at least the same length or longer in opener’s suit as in responder’s own suit. For example 1C-1H-1S-3C is GF and would imply only 4Hs or at least 5Cs if 5Hs.
Examples:
|
a) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S KJ52 H 52 H KQ87 D QT D K765 C AQ874 C
2 |
1C-1D- 1S-3S- etc. |
3S is a GF based with HCP. |
|
b) |
|
|
|
S AT87 S J H 52 H 87 D QT D
AK765 C AQ874 C
KJT92 |
1C-1D- 1S-3C- etc. |
3C is a GF. |