1NT Forcing
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1NT Forcing (aka the Forcing Notrump) is a cornerstone of the 2/1 ("Two Over One")
bidding system. After partner opens 1 / , a 1NT response shows 6-12 HCP and is a
one-round force.
In standard bidding methods, a 1NT response shows 6-10 HCP. Playing 2/1, however,
this range must be widened to include the game-invitational 11-12 point hands that are
ineligible for a game-forcing 2/1 response. Note that a natural 2NT response is
unavailable as well; it is reserved for the Jacoby 2NT convention that shows a game-
forcing raise.
Examples of hands that would bid 1NT in response to 1 :
Balanced, 7 points. A 1NT response in any system.
Q52
93
A432
J987
With 11 points, this hand is too weak to respond 2 in the 2/1 bidding
K98 system.
J5
532
AK986
1/7
This one is a matter of partnership discussion. Some players like to
95 make crummy raises (4-5 points) via 1NT Forcing. In this case,
A52 responder plans to rebid hearts at the cheapest level.
54
T97652
K95 1NT Forcing can also be used to show a 3-card limit raise with 10-12
A52 points. In this case, responder plans to jump-raise hearts next.
K5
JT987
Opener's Rebids
Frankly, this area is a weakness of the 2/1 system. A 1 / opening bid can be made on
a wide variety of hand patterns between 11-20 points. Opener might not have a
descriptive rebid available.
After 1 : 1NT
Opener's Rebid Meaning
2 May be as short as two clubs, e.g. 4-5-2-2 shape with insufficient
strength to make a 2 reverse.
2 May be as short as three diamonds, e.g. 4-5-3-1 or 3-5-3-2 shape.
2 6 hearts, rarely more. Might have a 4-card side suit.
2 4 spades, rarely 5 if opener is 6-5 in hearts and spades. This is a
reverse showing at least 16 points.
2NT Balanced, 18-19 points. Invites partner to bid 3NT.
All other bids are natural and/or a matter of conventional agreement.
After 1 : 1NT
Opener's Rebid Meaning
2 3+ clubs, e.g. 5-3-2-3 shape and no other suitable bid.
2 3+ diamonds, e.g. 5-3-3-2 shape and no other suitable bid.
2/7
2 4+ hearts and 12-15 points.
2 6+ spades, may have a 4-card side suit.
2NT Balanced, 18-19 points. Invites partner to bid 3NT.
All other bids are natural and/or a matter of conventional agreement.
1NT Semi-Forcing
Because of opener's potential rebid problems, some partnerships play 1NT as "semi-
forcing", meaning that opener can pass with a minimum balanced hand. Many experts
including Larry Cohen and Kit Woolsey endorse this approach. Another popular
agreement is to play 1NT as semi-forcing only if responder is a passed hand.
Responder's Rebids
After opener rebids 2
Responder's Rebid Meaning
Pass 4+ clubs (typically 5), 6-10 points. Correcting to partner's major
with doubleton support is preferable.
Any new suit A new suit at the 2-level shows at least 5 cards, and poor
support for partner's major. Non-forcing.
2-major Signoff in partner's major, shows 2-card support or a very bad
hand with 3-card support.
2NT Balanced, 11-12 points. Invites partner to bid 3NT.
3 4+ clubs, 11-12 points. Non-forcing.
3-major A 3-card limit raise.
After opener rebids 2
Responder's Rebid Meaning
Pass 4+ diamonds (typically 5), 6-10 points. Correcting to partner's
major with doubleton support is preferable.
3/7
Any new suit At least 5 cards at the 2-level, or 6 cards at the 3-level. Non-
forcing.
2-major Signoff in partner's major, shows 2-card support or a very bad
hand with 3-card support.
2NT Balanced, 11-12 points. Invites partner to bid 3NT.
3 4+ diamonds, 11-12 points. Non-forcing.
3-major A 3-card limit raise.
After opener rebids a major
Responder's Rebid Meaning
Any new suit 6+ cards, and poor support for partner (a singleton or void).
Non-forcing.
2NT Balanced, 11-12 points. Invites partner to bid 3NT.
3-major 2-card support with 10-12 points or 3-card support with 10-11
points. Invites partner to bid game.
4-major 3-card support with 11-12 points.
After opener reverses
These rebids are used when opener opens 1 and rebids 2 .
Responder's Rebid Meaning
2NT Balanced, showing 6-9 points. Non-forcing.
3 / 6+ cards, non-forcing.
3 2-card support, or a very bad hand with 3-card support.
Responder may have something as unsuitable as 2-2-5-4. Non-
forcing.
3NT 10-12 points, balanced.
After opener rebids 2NT
4/7
Responder's Rebid Meaning
Any new suit 6+ cards in that suit. Note that this is less preferable to simply
bidding 3NT if possible.
3-major A very bad hand with 3-card support. Non-forcing.
3NT Signoff.
In Competition
If the opening 1 / bid is doubled or overcalled, then a 1NT response is natural, 6-10
points and non-forcing. Against an opposing takeout double, responder can redouble with
11-12 balanced points.
If 1NT is doubled, then the force is "off." Opener can make a natural rebid or simply pass
with an awkward hand pattern like 3-5-3-2. Opener may also choose to redouble to show
extra strength.
Examples
Opener Responder
KT93 AJ5
AKJ62 54
J3 K985
42 JT63
Opener
1 Responder
2 (2) 1NT (1)
Pass 2 (3)
1. 1NT Forcing
2. Stuck for a bid. Lacking the strength to bid spades (and not playing Flannery).
3. Taking a preference. Raising clubs would promise game-invitational strength.
Opener Responder
5/7
AT9852 KJ
AK5 842
K42 AQ85
4 J963
Opener Responder
1 1NT (1)
2 (2) 3 (3)
4 Pass
1. 1NT Forcing
2. Natural, 12-15 points and 6+ spades
3. Inviting game with doubleton support and a maximum
Opener Responder
QJT95 K2
AK54 QJT3
Q4 A853
84 976
Opener
1 Responder
2 (2) 1NT (1)
Pass 3 (3)
1. 1NT Forcing
2. Natural, 12-15 points and 4+ hearts
3. 4-card support and a maximum
Opener Responder
K8653 9
AK5 QJ6
Q4 AJT532
J65 974
6/7
Opener
1 Responder
2 (2) 1NT (1)
Pass 2 (3)
1. 1NT Forcing
2. Stuck for a bid. Shows 3+ clubs. (E.g. 5-3-2-3 shape.)
3. 5+ diamonds, 6-10 points, non-forcing
Opener Responder
987 A62
AQ873 K54
AK4 Q763
JT K72
Opener Responder
1 1NT (1)
2 (2) 3 (3)
4 Pass
1. 1NT Forcing
2. 3+ diamonds
3. A delayed jump raise, i.e. a 3-card limit raise
See also
Improving 2/1 Auctions: Part 3
By Fred Gitelman
An alternative approach to Jacoby 2NT, as well as improvements to the Forcing
1NT in the 2/1 bidding system.
Jacoby 2NT
A 2NT response to 1 / showing game-forcing support.
Limit Raises
A major suit jump raise that shows game-invitational values and 4-card support.
2022 © Jeff Tang. All Rights Reserved.
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