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Ongoing 2/1 GF & Slam Bidding Series

Q: When playing 2/1 Game Forcing, are there exceptions?

A: Modern 2/1 GF is played 100% game forcing…with one very small exception which your partnership may agree to play.  This exception happens when the partnership has found a minor suit fit and 3NT is not an option. 

Perhaps the opponents have bid a suit or doubled an artificial bid of which neither you nor your partner has a stopper.  In this specific example, the partnership may stop in 4 of a minor.  In other words, 2/1 GF is game forcing through 3NT or 4 of a major.  When the potential contract becomes 5 of a minor, then the partnership may stop in 4 of a minor when both players are holding minimum opening hands.  Until about 3 weeks ago at the Indianapolis Regional I would have said this doesn’t happen very often.  However, at this regional in back to back pair games, my partner and I played in 4 of a minor after starting the auction with a 2/1 game forcing bid.  In both instances, 4 of a minor was all the hand would make!

An Example auction would be the following:

N     E      S      W
1♠ – P – 2♣ – 2♦
3♣ – P – 3♦ – X
4♣ – P – P – P

In this auction, South bid 3♦ asking for a diamond stopper for 3NT.  North bid 4♣ to deny a diamond stopper and show a minimum opening hand.  South, holding a minimum 2/1 hand passes 4♣.  The bottom line is that 2/1 GF is game forcing through 3NT or 4 of a Major. When none of these games are available, the partnership may stop in 4 of a minor.

I would love for you to join me online!

Donna