Saturday, November 11, 2006 7:00 AM

Forcing pass - Pass & Pull

PITBULLS:

Forcing pass recognition is a huge part of partnership Bridge. You look for the clues that deem that our side owns the auction. Interpreting the bidding properly determines whether your side has “turned on” forcing passes.

A rare form of “pass & pull” came up recently with BJ & myself recently. The opponents were not vulnerable and we were. LHO opened a weak 2♠ bid and BJ overcalled 3♥ & I held

♠xx ♥Kx ♦KJxxxx ♣xxx and raised to game . This got passed around to the pass out seat and they decided to take the nv sacrifice. This alone turns on forcing passes but the vulnerability has already done that. You double to warn partner that the 5 level is somewhat risky from your perspective however BJ ignores your warning and bids 5♥ anyway. What does that mean ? This is a rare form of the “pass & pull” part of forcing pass theory. Since he passed originally , by bidding at the 5 level he is telling the table that 5♥ is virtually a lock with his hand. I could even bid 6♥ if I had suitable cards.

Change my hand to ♠xx ♥Kxx ♦KJxxxx ♣Kx and I would have made a forcing pass. You have two spades people would say . At the 5 level yes , I would double with my 2 spades to warn partner we are off two fast losers but not at the 4 level. I would pass saying I have good cards and nothing wasted in spades. I would prefer offensive action from my perspective. With forcing pass theory and the same hand he held BJ would have bid 6♥ which makes with any lead. Forcing pass theory lets the opponents help you with your auctions rather than just being a nuisance. With modern bidding & bidders , forcing pass theory gets elevated in importance.

Forcing pass theory determines D.S.I.P. theory. For all auctions that forcing pass theory does not apply , D.S.I.P. theory does. Playing D.S.I.P. theory , you must know forcing pass theory inside & out and what auctions trigger forcing pass theory. This is a bidding skill that does not have to just in the realm of Bridge experts. Using the opponents as stepping stones when they are out to destroy your auctions is quite satisfying J.