BRIDGE

Below are six unrelated bidding sequences. Where the question mark appears in each case, indicate whether you consider the last bid made in each sequence as forcing (compelling you to bid again) or nonforcing (permitting you to pass). 1. Nonforcing. North might have a minimum opening bid, and South might have a minimum response (six or seven points), so it would not make sense to treat one heart as forcing. If North wanted to assure another response, he would have to bid two hearts (a jump-shift) over one diamond.

2. Forcing. When the responder (as distinguished from the opening bidder) names a new suit, opener cannot pass. Thus, one heart was forcing, and two diamonds is also.

3. Nonforcing. A jump-raise by opener is merely invitational, allowing South to pass if he has a very weak (six- or seven-point) hand.

4. Nonforcing. One spade would be forcing, and two spades (a jump-shift) would also be forcing, but three spades is a different kettle of fish. Unless you have a specific agreement to the contrary (such as that three spades is a splinter bid, showing diamond support and a singleton or void in spades), three spades is a preemptive bid, pure and simple, indicating something like seven spades to the K-Q-J and nothing else. North may therefore pass if he feels game is unlikely.

5. Forcing. When responder has raised opener's suit and opener then bids a new suit, responder must bid again. Here, North is probing for a game, possibly a slam, so South cannot pass.

6. Forcing. Once South bids over three clubs (which is invitational and not forcing), his side is committed to reaching game. South might have a game (or slam) in diamonds, clubs or notrump in mind and be marking time to allow North to further define his hand. But whatever South's intentions are, North can't pass until at least a game is reached.

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