New Minor Forcing

1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 (NMF)

2 is artificial, showing 11+ points and asking Opener to further describe his hand. Responder is interested in game, usually has a five-card major and is looking for a 3 card fit

Opener's responses to 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2, in order of priority, are:

• 2 shows a 4-card suit, 12 to 13- pts, DOES NOT DENY 3 spades
• 3 shows a 4-card suit, 13+ to 14+ pts, DOES NOT DENY 3 spades
• 2 shows 3-card support, 12 to 13- pts, DENIES 4 hearts
• 3 shows 3-card support, 13+ to 14+ pts, DENIES 4 hearts
• 2NT shows a stopper in the unbid suit, 12 to 13- pts DENIES 3 spades and 4 hearts
• 3NT shows a stopper in the unbid suit, 13+ to 14 pts
• Raise of the new minor Rebid of opener's suit. Natural, denies the ability to make any other bid

Obviously if the bidding goes 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 then opener has denied 4 spades so Responder is only looking for Heart support.

Because first response to New Minor Forcing is to show 4 hearts if you have them, a 2 bid by Responder instead of NMF shows either 5-5 or 5-4 Spades and Hearts (too weak to bid NMF ) Also if Responder bids 3 instead of using NMF then he is 5-5 at least and has 11 HCP or more.

New Minor Forcing is OFF in competition.

If Openers third bid was 2 Responder still doesn't know if opener has 3 card Spade support so a rebid by Responder of 2 shows a minimum hand with 5 spades. Opener has already shown a minimum so with 3 card spade support just pass because responder has just shown they only have invitational values.

If opener does not want to play 2, they can bid 2NT or 3 of their minor.

Examples

AQx Kxxx Jx Qxxx

KJxxx Qxx Axx Jx

1	Pass	1	Pass
1NT	Pass	2	Pass
2*	Pass	2**	Pass
Pass

* Minimum ** Non Forcing

AQx Kxxx Jx Qxxx

KJxxx Qxxx Ax Jx

1	Pass	1	Pass
1NT	Pass	2	Pass
2*	Pass	Pass

* Minimum

AQx Kxxx Jx Qxxx

KJxxx Qxx AKx Kx

1	Pass	1	Pass
1NT	Pass	2	Pass
2	Pass	3NT	Pass
4

Another option when opener has 3 spades is to cuebid an Ace when responder bids 3NT showing that Ace and 3 card spade support. You never know what this might do for partner's hand.

Thanks Taka!