A forcing call is a call which forces the partner to bid if the opponent in-between passes.
Many natural and most artificial bids are forcing.
Forcing one round
Forcing one round is the simplest form of forcing. It just forces the partner to bid without any further obligation. It is abbreviated as F1.
Examples
- Any 1-level suit response to partner's 1st/2nd seat opening in a natural system.
- Forcing 1NT in 2/1 game forcing.
Forcing and promises a rebid
Forcing and promises a rebid means forcing for one and a half round. It forces both the partner and the bidder to bid again.
Examples
- Any non-jump 2-level new suit response to partner's opening in SAYC.
Forcing to a specified level
Once such a call is made, the auction may not end until the specified level. The most common form is forcing to game, or game forcing (abbreviated as GF). A game forcing bid forces the auction to the game level, or to double the opponents, unless the agreed suit is a minor, in which case the auction can end at 4 of the minor.