Forcing NT

In response to a 1 or 1 opening bid, 1NT forces the opener to bid again and further describe their hand.  The responders hand tends to be in the 6-12 HCP range or so, but in some systems might be as much as 14 HCP.  Most frequently found as part of a 5 card major type system, openers rebids are:

2     :  Not 6 cards in major

             Not 4 cards in 's if 's opened

             At least 3 clubs

             Club length => Diamond length

             (Could be 3 card club suit)

2     :  As above except

            Diamond length > Club length

            (Could be 3 card diamond suit)

Rebid major: 6+ suit in minimum hand

2     :  After 1 opening shows minimum

            hand with 4 card Heart suit

2NT  :  Balanced 17-19 or so

Reverses are 1 round force

Jump shifts game forcing.

After making a forcing 1NT response, responders bids are non-forcing, with 2NT and jumps invitational in strength.

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005