Fast Arrival: When Jumping to Game Shows a Minimum

Quick Summary

Fast arrival is the principle that jumping directly to game shows a weaker hand than bidding slowly. Going fast = minimum, going slow = extras.

The Principle

Bidding Speed	Meaning
Jump to game	Minimum, no slam interest
Bid slowly	Extras, possible slam interest

Classic Example

1♥ - 2♣ (game forcing) 2♥ - ?

Responder has a game-forcing hand with heart support:

Bid	Shows
4♥ (fast)	Minimum GF, no slam interest
3♥ (slow)	Extras, slam possible

Why It Works

In a game-forcing auction, you’re committed to game anyway. – Jump to game = “That’s it, I’m done” – Bid below game = “I have more to say”

Example Hands

Fast Arrival (4♥)

♠74 ♥K93 ♦AQ5 ♣KJ974

After 1♥ – 2♣ – 2♥: Bid 4♥

Minimum for 2/1 GF, no extras. Fast arrival.

Slow Arrival (3♥)

♠74 ♥KQ3 ♦AK5 ♣KJ974

After 1♥ – 2♣ – 2♥: Bid 3♥

Extras! Slam possible. Going slow.

Common Auctions

After Jacoby 2NT

1♠ - 2NT ?

Rebid	Meaning
4♠ (fast)	Minimum, no singleton
3♣/3♦/3♥ (slow)	Shortness, slam interest
3♠	Minimum but good trumps

In 2/1 Auctions

1♥ - 2♦ (GF) 3♥ - ?

Responder	Meaning
4♥	Minimum, sign off
Cue bid	Extras, slam try

Slow Arrival = “Tell Me More”

When you bid below game in a GF auction, you’re saying: – “I have extra values” – “Tell me about your hand” – “Slam is possible”

When Fast Arrival Applies

Auction Type	Fast Arrival?
Game-forcing	Yes
Invitational	No
Competitive	Usually no
After limit raise	Sometimes

Important Exception

After a limit raise:

1♠ - 3♠ 4♠

This is just accepting the invitation, not fast arrival.

Opposite Principle: Slow Shows

Some partnerships play slow shows instead: – Going slow = weak – Going fast = strong

This is less common. Clarify with partner!

Key Takeaways

• Fast to game = minimum (in GF)

• Slow = extras and slam interest

• Only in game-forcing auctions

• Leaves room for slam exploration

• Agree with partner — fast vs slow

See also: Jacoby 2NT (uses fast arrival), Control Bidding (slow arrival leads to)