four or more clubs. Instead, these partnerships rebid 2 (violating rule #1), or pass (if playing Semi-forcing notrump.) The forcing next step variation (discussed below) overcomes these problems by allowing opener to show a balanced hand, or any second suit and guarantee four cards in it, yet still offer the option of playing in two of the major. Responder's rebid Responder categorizes her hand as either minimum (6-9 HCP) or invitational (10-12 HCP). The minimum responder rebids are: two of opener's original major (shows two-card support) two of a new suit (shows a five-card or longer suit; some play a six-card or longer suit) pass denies either of the above (shows a distinct preference for opener's second-bid suit) The invitational responder rebids are: three of opener's original major (shows exactly a three-card limit raise) three of a new suit (shows a six-card or longer suit) 2NT (natural) three of opener's second suit (shows at least four-card support) over a first suit of hearts unusual 2 may apply (see below) Variation. There is more than one school of thought for responder's second call. The above text represents only one theory. Another widely utilized theory is: With a minimum (6-9 support points): pass (or raise) holding five or more cards in the suit bid: exception - see false preference. bid openers first suit with two-card support: exception see false preference. pass holding four or more cards in the current suit bid with a six-card or longer suit with reasonable top-cards in the suit, bid that if it is between the current suit and two of openers suit. Example: (opponents passing) 1 – 1NT; 2 – ?. 2 would fit this bid, but 2 would not (as the responder would have bid 1 the first time, see Unusual two spades below) if none of these options work, usually pass with three in the current suit, otherwise bid openers first suit false preference (see below) may apply. Further bidding When responder rebids two of a new suit, opener should pass with a minimum and two or more cards in the suit. With a singleton or void in responder's suit, opener should rebid her original major. Responder may yet have a doubleton there and pass, or will be able correct to three of opener's second suit or her own good six-card (or longer) suit. In this way, the partnership is normally assured of at least