Wednesday, November 05, 2003 1:37 PM

Forcing Pass Theory

PITBULLS:

The following is from the Bridge World

Doubles subject to no explicit agreement:

(a) [default]

when a pass would be forcing, a double discourages further offensive bidding

a double is for penalty when partner is limited; discourages further offensive bidding when partner is unlimited;

When you own the auction , forcing passes are on . Forcing passes can be “turned on” depending how the auction develops . Tom Gandolfo had a hand last night that shows forcing passes in action. Tom opened vul against not a very bad hand

AQJxx xxx QJ Q10x 1♠-2♣-3♣-4♥ Partners hand may be a limit bid so

forcing passes are not on . A double of 4♥ is for penalty and a pass shows a minimum hand.

Pretty simple stuff so far .

P-P-4♠-5♥

?

O.K. partner has now contracted for a vul game so forcing passes are now on . The meaning of your pass and double changes . A double now “discourages further offensive bidding” using the language of the Bridge World. A pass would say “in the light of showing you a minimum previously I am short in their suit so if you want to bid 5♠ its O.K. by me .”

A side issue of forcing pass theory is the meaning of a direct bid. If forcing passes are not on and you do not change the level of the auction , bidding your suit is the weakest bid you can make .

1♥-2♦-3♦-X

A 3♥ bid here says I have a dog . A pass leaves room for partner to take some action so its more encouraging and of course a Q bid is even a better hand.

If partner has forced to game say in this auction

1♥-2♦-3♣-3♦

Forcing pass theory is now on even with the possible non fit as you own the hand . A double would say I am short in clubs or a minimum and this would be a good place to get a plus. A pass is a better hand then a double and we await further clarification by partner. A bid would in most cases confirm club support.

Do not forget that you have a responsibility in forcing pass auctions. Recently a partnership opened 2♣ and the opponents were sacrificing in 6♠ not vul against vul . Partner held xx QJ10xxx J10xx x and neglected her forcing pass responsibilities and passed 6♠ !! This pass shows 1^ST round control in spades in forcing pass theory and partner duly bid 7♥ and went down one when they cashed the spade ace .