Fourth Suit Forcing (FSF)

An agreement that the bid of the fourth suit is artificial and forces the auction to game.  For example:

1      - 1

2      - 2    (arificial and game forcing)

After the FSF 2 , opener will complete the description of his distribution.  As this is artificial, a NT bid by opener at this point would promise a stopper in the FSF suit.  Additionally, a raise of the fourth suit 1 level (i.e. 3  in this case) promises a 4 card holding

Many play the auction 1  - 1  - 1  - 1  is natural and a 1 round force, the Fourth Suit Forcing sequence would be: 1  - 1  - 1  - 2

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005