Getting to Game in No Trumps
Game in No Trumps requires only 9 tricks whereas game in a minor requires 11, almost as many tricks as a small slam. It is therefore important to know how to explore the possibilities of 3NT. Often the search starts after an auction where it is clear that the partnership has game points (25+) but one or more of the following apply:
- A major suit fit is clearly not available
- A minor suit fit has been established
- Three suits have been bid, but no fit has been found
Fortunately help is at hand. This problem is so common that helpful bidding methods have been developed. In particular there are two important concepts, and both will be introduced. They are:
NT Trial Bids: sometimes called Game Tries a typical sequence is 1club 3 clubs, and opener now rebid's 3hearts. Since responder has denied holding 4 of either major opener has no reason to explore a possible game in hearts. What their bid means is this: I would like to get to game in 3NT, I can stop the opponents running away with lots of tricks in hearts ( the suit I bid), but not in diamonds ( the suit I bypassed). Over to you.
Fourth Suit Forcing. When three suits have been bid without finding a fit it is clear that the partnership needs to be thinking about the possibility of playing in NT. So whoever bids next will be expected to call NT if they have the fourth suit stopped. It therefore follows that if they instead bid the fourth suit it cannot be natural! So when the fourth suit is bid it has a conventional meaning. In essence it says: Partner I have game points but I am unable to look after this suit. Can you?
The tutorial will show you how these two bids work in sufficient detail for you to start using them.
