Two-Way New Minor Forcing

Two-Way New Minor Forcing

Two-Way New Minor Forcing is very similar to the convention XYZ. It allows responder to create a game forcing sequence after opener's 1NT rebid. The basic auction starts 1X (any suit) - 1Y (any suit) - 1NT.

After that, the bids, by responder are:

2-Relays to 2 (2 and 3 are both alertable)

2- Game Forcing (alertable)

2- to play (or, if responder's first bid was spades, a weak hand with spades and hearts)

2 - to play (or, if responder's first bid was hearts, needs agreement)

There are other follow-ups which require agreement.

2NT- can be natural and invitational or relay to 3

3- can be a signoff or forcing

Those higher bids aren't as important as the lower-level bids. After 2 by the responder (after any 1X-1Y-1NT sequence), opener is forced to bid 2. This will allow the partnership to potentially play in 2 OR allow responder to continue to describe his hand to partner. After 2-2, responder can bid the other major or repeat his major to show a game try in those suits. Since 2 is the game forcing call, any sequence which starts with 2 is invitational. This can help clarify some of the confusion that happens with New Minor Forcing about when an auction can end.

The only exception is if responder bids 2, then after opener's forced 2, responder jumps to 3NT. This offers a choice of games: either in responder's major or in 3NT.

If responder has a game forcing hand, or slam interest, he can continue after 1NT by bidding 2. This sets up a game forcing auction, and opener continues like he would over regular New Minor Forcing.

What path would you choose with the following hands. The auction starts: 1 - 1-1NT (no interference)

A)

A98
♥ KJ872
♦ K92
♣ 98

B)

98
♥ KQJ98
♦ AK2
♣ J87

C)

976
♥ K987
♦ QJ987
♣ 4

D)

A9
♥ AK87
♦ A7542
♣ K7

Answers:

A)2, then after 2, 2

B)2, then after 2, 3NT

C) 2, then after 2, pass

D)2, then show diamonds naturally after whatever partner does next