2nd invitational bid by responder on opener’s NT 2nd bid, in uncontested auction.
Balanced hands in Standard American has two opening bid ranges (12-14 HCP and 18-19 HCP), where first bid must be a suit and not NT. Next round of bid, is expected to show balanced hand via 1NT or 2NT, respectively.
In the above scenario, New Minor Forcing convention becomes a useful gadget for responder’s 2nd bid when his first bid is a Major disclosing 4+ cards and 6+ points whereas, he actually has 5+ of that Major and also Invitational hand. Based on his superior hand, responder has interest in playing in this Major suit as he can now assess partnership points, accurately, due to 1NT or 2NT being rebid by opener.
Responder’s 2nd bid can take following calls:
- Pass on 1NT, if he has less than 10 HCP
- But with 10+ HCP, sending Invitational rebid is prudent.
- Openers 2NT will definitely, requires a rebid
Enter “New Minor Suit Forcing”, responder bids 2 level Minor to convey to partner if you have 3 of my Major please bid as I have 5+ cards in my hand. Together we will have a FIT in my Major and possibly a game.
| Bid | Opener | Responder |
| 1st | Minor | Major |
| 2nd | 1NT or 2NT | Unbid Minor at next available level |
New minor forcing can also be used when opener bids 1!H and Responder bids 1!S in their respective first bids.
Points to be noted regarding New Minor Forcing
- New Minor Suit forcing is initiated with the desire to have a FIT in a MAJOR suit. It could be the Major bid by the responder in round 1 or a surprise 4 card MAJOR hidden in 1NT rebid of opener.
- Responder must have at least invitational values i.e 10+ HCP.
- This convention is 1 round forcing over 1NT of opener (opener conveys 12-14 HCPs with 2nd bid as 1NT).
- Over 2NT as 2nd bid of opener, new minor forcing is game forcing. Opener shows 18-19 HCP hence partnership is crossing game threshold.
For Example:
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1!d | |||
| pass | 1!s | pass | 1NT |
| pass | 2!c |
Notes
- In contested auctions, opener will bid Support Double when he can offers 3+ card support to responder’s 1st bid. This will happen when opponent between the two, overcalls or doubles.
- 2!C here is artificial alert. Responder may not have 4+ cards in Clubs. It may be 3 or less. However, keep in mind that New Minor Forcing can result in 2NT being bid by opener while denying game in any Major. Therefore, ensure this minor being used as alert has stoppers for NT game. Opener generally, ensures that the unbid Major has stoppers.
Sunil Khanna 