Forcing Pass

A forcing pass occurs when the opponents bid and

a) you are in a game forcing auction

b) you or partner has opened 2C

c) after 1 suit - X - XX the auction is

    forced to 2NT

d) After 1NT-2 suit overcall - X for penalty, the

    auction is forced to 2NT - the opponents may

    not play at the 2 level without being doubled

e) After any penalty X at the 3 level, all passes

     are forcing.

Generally speaking, when a forcing pass situation arises, the following rules prevail:

1) Double is the weakest call, suggesting the partnership defend rather than bid on.  In general it shows nothing extra than already announced in the auction.

2) Bid of the agreed suit shows extra length in trumps and/or shows some control of the opponents suit

3) Bid of a new suit is a slam try

4) Pass (forcing) followed by bid of the agreed suit is a stronger slam try.

5) Pass (forcing) followed by a bid of a new suit is a grand slam try.

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005