The IGITSAP Rule

"Is Game In That Suit A Possibility ?"

We often encounter situations in uncontested natural auctions where Partner completes the description of hir hand with a 2NT rebid and we remove to 3-of-a-suit.

#1 RHO You LHO Pard Comments
Pass 1 Pass 1 4+ Spades, 6+ Points, forcing 1 round.
Pass 2 Pass 2NT 10-12 points, natural.
Pass 3 Is 3forcing here ?

The perenniel problem that partnerships face is this question of "whether the removal to 3-of-a-suit is forcing."
At first blush, one might conclude that the answer is "NO" whenever the suit is an "old" (i.e., previously bid) one, while a new suit would be forcing.

#2 RHO You LHO Pard Comments
Pass 1 Pass 1NT 6-10 HCPs, denying Spade support.
Pass 2 Pass 2NT 10 points, natural.
Pass 3 Is 3 forcing here ?

Surprisingly, 3♣ on the first auction (where Clubs is an Old suit) is forcing, while 3♣ in the second auction (where Clubs is a New suit) is NOT forcing !
"But that makes no sense !", one might say.

Actually, yes, it makes sense, provided we understand the Fundamental Rule which supercedes our general notion that "new suits are forcing, old ones aren't".

This general rule, applicable whenever Partner finishes the description of hir hand with 2NT, is:

IGITSAP: "Is Game In This Suit A Possibility ?"
"A possibility" here refers to the simple arithmetic of point-counting. It is granted that there are a lot of hands where the pair can and will make game with the required 26 (for majors or 3NT) or 29 (for minors) points.

#1 You Pard
1 1
2 2NT
3

#2 You Pard
1 1NT
2 2NT
3

In the first auction, your 3♣ is forcing, since 2♣ showed 13-18 points, Partner's 2NT 10-12 points, and their maximum is 18 + 12 ≥ 29. Hence, since 5♣ is still possible, 3♣ is forcing.
By contrast, in the second auction, the pair cannot have enough for 5♣ (because their maximum is 18 + 10 < 29). Hence, while this bidding is "forward going" (otherwise, you will pass Responder's 2NT bid) for many, it is NOT forcing.

#3 LHO Pard RHO You Comments
Pass 1 Pass 1 6+ HCPs, 4+ Hearts, forcing 1 round.
Pass 2 Pass 2NT 10-12 points, natural.
Pass 3 Is 3 forcing here ?

3♦ is not forcing here, since 2♦ limited Opener's hand to a bad 16 points, and 16 + 12 < 29.

Are there any Exceptions to the IGITSAP rule ?

Yes, but they are rather obvious:

1. When Responder makes a (one-round forcing) 4th-Suit Forcing and then rebids that suit.

Comments Opener Responder Comments
13-21 points, 5+ Hearts. 1 1 6+ HCPs, 4+ Spades, forcing 1 round.
13-18 points, 4+ Clubs. 2 2 4th suit forcing
for 1 round.
13-14, natural. 2NT 3 Sign-off, 5-5 Diamonds & Spades.

2. For most pairs, a "stutter raise" of 2-over-1 Responder's suit shows a minimum.

Comments Opener Responder Comments
13-21 Points,
5+ Hearts. 1 2 11+ HCPs, natural,
1 round force.
13-21 points, catchall rebid. 2 2NT 11-12 points, natural sign-off.
For most, a weak Club raise. 3 Pass Discuss this
with Partner !

And that is all there is to knowing whether or not a rebid over Partner's 2NT rebid is forcing. Bridge is such a simple game. Why complicate it ?

A Quick IGITSAP Test

#1	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	1	6+ HCPs, 4+ Spades, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	2NT	Pass	3	Is 3 Forcing or Non-Forcing ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

#2	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	2	11+ HCPs. Natural, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	2NT	Pass	3	Is 3 Forcing or Non-Forcing ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

#3	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	2	11+ HCPs. Natural, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	2	Pass	2NT	11-12 Points, natural sign-off.
	Pass	3	Pass	??	Is 3 Forcing or Non-Forcing ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

#4	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	2	11+ HCPs, Natural, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	2	Pass	2NT	11-12 flattish.
	Pass	3	Pass	??	Is 3 Forcing in Standard ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

#5	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	2	11+ HCPs. Natural, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	2	Pass	2NT	11-12 flattish.
	Pass	3	Pass	??	Is 3 forcing in Standard ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

#6	LHO	Pard	RHO	You	Comments
	Pass	1	Pass	1	6+ HCPs. Natural, forcing 1 round.
	Pass	1	Pass	2NT	11-12 flattish. Invites 3NT.
	Pass	3	Pass	??	Is 3 forcing in Standard ?

Forcing.

Non-Forcing.

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Comments	Opener	Responder	Comments
13-21 points, 5+ Hearts.	1	1	6+ HCPs, 4+ Spades, forcing 1 round.
13-18 points, 4+ Clubs.	2	2	4th suit forcing for 1 round.
13-14, natural.	2NT	3	Sign-off, 5-5 Diamonds & Spades.