Two-over-ONE GF – PART 3: FORCING 1NT (Continued)]
Larry Cohen continues his series about the most popular bidding system by looking at the awkward 1NT response.
To completely understand this month’s discussion of 1NT Forcing (and/or Semi-Forcing), I suggest printing this out and reading it several times. It’s not too easy to understand it with just a casual and quick read.
Last month, we started our exploration of the “1NT forcing response.” We discussed that a 1NT response (by an Unpassed Hand) to 1♠ or 1♥shows 6-12* points. This wide range is the downside of the system. Soon we will get into the actual 2-over-1 auctions and you will start to have some fun. Meanwhile, let’s get the 1NT drudgery out of the way. Be sure you realize that this 1NT Forcing Response applies only to MAJOR-SUIT OPENINGS. If the 1NT bidder is a passed hand, then it is obviously no longer forcing (it can be up to 11 or a terrible 12 points, though). Also, if there is any interference after the 1♥ or 1♠ opening (a double or an overcall), then 1NT reverts to plain old 6-10.
There are two ways to play the 1NT response (by an Unpassed Hand to a 1♥ or 1♠ Opening):
A) Completely Forcing.
or…
B) Semi-forcing (To be visited in a future month).
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