Auctions start neutral, and remain that way until

  • we agree a fit, or
  • one of us sets a suit, or
  • the auction is disturbed.

Bidding in a neutral auction is mainly natural, but the style of the neutral bidding is quite radical as you will see later.

WestNorthEastSouth
?
Neutral. All auctions start as neutral.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass
?
Still neutral. We haven't set a suit.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass
1pass1NTpass
?
And still neutral. All the bids were natural, but we have yet to agree or set a suit.

NEXT: introducing disturbed auctions