Fourth Suit Forcing

Most every bridge player considers the bid of a fourth suit to be forcing. Susan recommends that Fourth Suit Forcing is forcing to game. In this lesson she explains when Fourth Suit Forcing should be used, when it should not, and how Opener should bid following the FSF bid.

Susan Williamson, Life Master, Accredited American Contract Bridge League Teacher was the founder of the nonprofit Fun and Games Duplicate Bridge Club in Oklahoma City. Susan passed away January 31, 2025.

[armantookmanian]

Slide 6 states the Requirements for FSF (when played as GF) includes a minimum of 13 points. What does Responder bid with less?

My thoughts: In the Responder's hand shown on the slide, replace the HK with the H10 (or H9). Now with only 11 hcps, I am reluctant to pass 1S and miss a game if Opener has 14+ points and honor-third in Hearts. Likewise, if he has a control in Diamonds, we might miss a game in NT. Even if he has a bare minimum we might be better off playing a partial in Hearts or NT. This is why I prefer to play FSF 1 round - I'm the captain in this situation. I will then be able to pass or continue bidding if I hear good news.