In a neutral auction, you limit a hand by making a limiting bid – a limiter. Limiters are:
- bids to play – 1NT, 3NT and slam bids
- 2NT when partner has already bid 1NT
- all opening bids except 1
- jump suit bids opposite a no-suit bid.
Double is exceptional: it is a non-limiter, but it can be passed for penalties even if the bidder is not limited.
| West | North | East | South | |
|---|
| | | 1 | pass | |
| 1NT | | | | |
Both hands are now limited and either partner can pass at any time.
| West | North | East | South | |
|---|
| 1 | pass | 2 | pass | |
| 2 | | | | |
Not forcing.
2 was not a limiter, but
1 was. This is common situation that is initially counter-intuitive, because in most other systems
2 shows extra strength and is forcing.
| West | North | East | South | |
|---|
| 1 | pass | 2 | pass | |
| 2NT | | | | |
Natural and not a limiter, but opener's hand was already limited by the
1 bid, so responder can pass. For that reason, maximum opener with no heart fit should bid 3NT if he wants to be in game. This is an example of a general principle that follows from the rules: a natural 2NT by a limited hand denies the values to bid game.
| West | North | East | South | |
|---|
| | 1 | dbl | pass | |
| pass | | | | |
A penalty pass of an unlimited double - for once, just as in most other systems.