False Preference
When in the maxi-minimum range (8-9 support points), and holding 2 cards in opener's major and 5 cards in opener's minor, you are worried about passing and missing game when partner has some extra-values. So you take 'preference' to 2 of openers major. This keeps the bidding alive and allows partner to take another call even though your preference would in fact be for the minor.
When in the mini-minimum range (6-7 support points) and holding 2 cards in opener's major and 4 cards in opener's minor, you Pass. Even though the 'rule' says to prefer the major, the last thing you need is for partner to take another bid with extra values. By passing in a known fit, you hope to ensure the partnership a plus score.
Read more about this topic: Forcing Notrump
Famous quotes containing the words false and/or preference:
“Approval of what is approved of
Is as false as a well-kept vow.”
—Sir John Betjeman (1906–1984)
“He that has his chains knocked off, and the prison doors set open to him, is perfectly at liberty, because he may either go or stay, as he best likes; though his preference be determined to stay, by the darkness of the night, or illness of the weather, or want of other lodging. He ceases not to be free, though the desire of some convenience to be had there absolutely determines his preference, and makes him stay in his prison.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)