forcing bid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “forcing bid” mean?
In contract bridge, a bid that, by partnership agreement, requires the bidder's partner to bid further (rather than pass) at their next turn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In contract bridge, a bid that, by partnership agreement, requires the bidder's partner to bid further (rather than pass) at their next turn.
In a broader metaphorical sense, any action or commitment that compels a further response or escalation from another party, especially in negotiations or competitive situations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage within bridge. The term is standard in both varieties. Broader metaphorical use is extremely rare and not standardized.
Connotations
In bridge contexts, connotes sophisticated partnership understanding and tactical planning.
Frequency
Exclusively found in texts, discussions, and broadcasts about contract bridge. Virtually non-existent in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “forcing bid” in a Sentence
[Partner A] made a forcing bid of [number] [suit].A bid of [X] is forcing for one round.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forcing bid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (From 'force') You must force the bidding with a jump shift here.
- He forced the game with a bold bid.
American English
- (From 'force') She forced to slam with a cue bid.
- Your bid should force partner to describe his hand.
adjective
British English
- The forcing bid sequence was expertly handled.
- They have a forcing bid agreement in that auction.
American English
- The forcing bid auction left no room for exploration.
- That's a forcing bid situation per our system notes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. The concept might be described as 'a move that locks in further negotiation'.
Academic
Only within game theory or specialised papers on bridge.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to describe a specific class of bids in contract bridge systems like Standard American or Acol.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forcing bid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forcing bid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forcing bid”
- Using it to mean an aggressive or high-pressure bid in a non-bridge context.
- Confusing it with a 'pre-emptive bid' (which aims to obstruct, not communicate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A jump bid (bidding higher than necessary) can be forcing, but many forcing bids are simple one-level raises. 'Forcing' refers to the partnership obligation, not the jump in level.
By partnership agreement, a forcing bid obligates the partner to bid. Passing a forcing bid is a violation of system and would be a misunderstanding or a deliberate, highly unusual break from system.
No. The strategic concept exists (an action that commits another player to act), but the specific term 'forcing bid' is unique to contract bridge and its specific partnership communication rules.
Beginners learn basic forcing sequences like 'new suit by responder after a major suit opening is forcing for one round.' Advanced players use complex artificial forcing bids as part of detailed system agreements.
In contract bridge, a bid that, by partnership agreement, requires the bidder's partner to bid further (rather than pass) at their next turn.
Forcing bid is usually formal / technical in register.
Forcing bid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːsɪŋ bɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrsɪŋ bɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To force the bidding (general bridge idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think FORCING = FOR-SING-ing a response. You are 'singing' for your partner to speak up (bid) again.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A BINDING AGREEMENT. The bid creates a contractual obligation for the partner.
Practice
Quiz
In contract bridge, what is the primary purpose of a forcing bid?