Forcing or non-forcing?
North-South have reached a very poor contract. As so often, each of the two players considers that his partner is responsible for the accident. And you, what do you think?
This month we will be looking at:
Forcing or non-forcing?
Problem 1
N/S Vul.
| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♦ | Pass | 2♣ | |
| Pass | 2NT | Pass | 3♣ |
The facts
The slam is difficult to reach, but 5 Clubs is bulletproof. Who is responsible for this accident?
Arguments
North: “When responder repeats his suit, this is non-forcing. Since you started with a new suit 2-over-1, you have shown 10-11HCP. With my 12HCP, I pass as fast as I can. You should respond 3♠ to suggest your problem in Hearts.”
South: “You’ve simply forgotten that our teacher taught us in a recent class that after 1♦-2♣, bidding 2NT is game forcing. He even added that if that leads to us ending up in 3 No-Trump with 23HCP, it will allow us to make progress in declarer play. I cannot sign off in 3NT with my singleton Heart, I leave you space to show your stoppers, like after a Club transfer after a 1NT opening.”
This article is reserved for BRIDGERAMA+ subscribers.
Subscribe to access all our articles
