Forcing pass

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This article concerns Contract Bridge and uses terminology associated with the game. See Contract bridge glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words or phrases.

For systems where initial pass denotes a strong hand, see Strong pass.

In the card game of bridge, a forcing pass is a pass in a competitive auction that asks partner to choose the most profitable option, but not to pass. The forcing pass convention typically applies in game forcing auctions. (It is also a synonym for a strong pass, where an opening pass indicates a strong hand.)

After an opposing overcall these options are 1) a rebid in an agreed suit, and 2) doubling opponents' for penalty.

After an opposing double of a conventional bid, these options are: 1) a rebid in an agreed suit, and 2) redoubling to play.

In situations where according to partnership agreement a pass would be forcing, a double discourages further offensive bidding.