In its simplest terms, the "system" described as 2-over-1 game-forcing refers to the following 6 bids :
1 Diamond → 2 Clubs
1 Heart → 2Clubs
1 Heart → 2 Diamonds
1 Spade → 2 Clubs
1 Spade → 2 Diamonds
1 Spade → 2 Hearts
When responder uses a game-forcing "2-over-1" bid he is informing opener that he, too, holds at least opening-bid values. Accordingly, the partnership may leisurely proceed to the optimum contract without fear of being dropped below game. Opener then should show his "shape," without implying # of HCP.
As opener, what do you rebid?
| You | Opponent | Partner | Opponent |
|---|
1 | Pass | 2 | Pass |
| ?? | | | |
(All answers/reasons given at end of lesson)
| A) | B) | C) | D) | E) | F) |
 5 4
 K Q 10 8 7 4
 A J 3
 K 4 | 3 2
Q J 10 8 7
A 4
A Q 5 4
| A K J 2
A Q 8 7 6
A 5 4
2
| A Q 3
K J 8 7 6
5
K Q 10 2
| Q J 2
Q 9 7 6 4
Q 9 2
A Q
| A 2
A K Q J 9 8
K 7 6
5 2
|
As responder, what do you bid?
| You | Opponent | Partner | Opponent |
|---|
| 1 | Pass | 2 | Pass |
| 2NT | Pass | ?? | |
| G) | H) | I) | J) | K) |
K J 3
A 2
K Q 10 8 7
4 3 2
| 4 2
A Q J
A Q 8 7 6 5
A 7
| 4
A 5
A K Q 10 8 7 2
Q 3 2
| 4 3
A Q 2
K Q J 10 8 2
5 2
| K Q J
10 3
A Q 10 8 4
A Q 5
|
Two-Over-One GF (and "forcing" 1NT) –(continued)
An important Feature of the 2/1 GF system is to employ a 1NT bid (by an unpassed hand) in response to a major-suit opening bid as forcing (or semi-forcing) for one round. Unlike Standard American, this bid is not limited to 6 to 9 HCP. Normally, it shows 6 to 12 HCP.
If 1NT is totally forcing, opener CANNOT pass! If he has nothing special to say, he must invent a bid, typically in a 3-card minor.
For example, after 1
→ 1NT, if opener holds the following hand:
A J 10 8 2
9 7 3
A 2
K J 2
, the appropriate rebid is 2. Opener cannot rebid his major since this would show a 6 card suit. He cannot make a 2 call because a rebid of the other major shows at least a 4-card suit. Lastly, he can't pass if 1NT is forcing, and he cannot bid 2, a 2-card suit. (Personally, I prefer to use 1NT as "semi-forcing"—so that opener can pass with a hand like the one above.)
Openers's Rebids after 1NT forcing:
2 minor – at least a 3-card suit (note: 2 can be exactly 4=5=2=2 if not strong enough to reverse)
2 new major – at least a 4-card suit (if reverse, shows extras)
2 same major – at least a 6-card suit, NF
2NT – more than a strong notrump, balanced
3-level – same as over a normal 1NT response
Examples for opener after 1-1NT:
| L) | M) | N) | O) | P) |
A Q 9 8 2
A 5 2
Q J 2
7 3
| Q J 10 6 5 2
A 5 2
Q J 2
A
| A K Q 5 2
A K Q 10 2
10 5 2
--
| A J 5 4 2
A K 2
K 2
K 8 3
| A Q J 10 5 4 2
A J 2
K 2
3
|
Responders's actions after 1NT forcing:
New suit on 2-level : Non-forcing
Preference to opener's Major : Typically weak, usually 2-card support
Raise of opener's second suit: Invitational, natural
2NT : Invitational, Natural
Jump Raise of opener's major: 3-card limit raise
Examples for responder after 1-1NT-2:
| Q) | R) | S) | T) | U) |
6
10 3 2
Q 5 4 2
A K J 6 4
| A 5 2
Q J 9 8 2
K 10 2
10 9
| Q 7
A Q 6 2
9 8 7 6
5 4 2
| 10
Q 10 9 8
K Q 10 8 7
A 8 2
| 4
K Q 10 8 7 6
Q 4 3 2
J 2
|
General notes:
2-over-1 is game-forcing as long as responder is not a passed hand and there is no interference bidding (so, in competition, 2/1 is NOT game forcing). Some partnerships may choose to play that if responder rebids his original suit, the game-forcing Feature is off.
The 2/1 Game Forcing system is really an outgrowth of Standard American and 5-card Majors and many of the methods and conventions employed are alike. There are many more details—this mini-lesson is intended only as a brief overview of the principles.
Larry's audio presentation to the ABTA on 2/1 GF in New Orleans, 2010
Larry' 64-page 2/1 GF workbook
ANSWERS (with further clarification)
A) 2 (Repeat the 6-card suit)
B) 3 (Forcing, of course—until at least game is reached)
C) 2 (Natural again – and just coincidental that you have extras)
D) 3 (Splinter bid—no need to ever jumpshift naturally into a new suit)
E) 2NT (Natural—also, not promising extras)
F) 3 (An unnecessary jump should show a solid suit)
G) 3NT
H) 3 (Forcing, of course)
I) 3 (No need to rush into Blackwood)
J) 4 (Most players use this jump to show a minimum with all the pictures in the suits bid)
K) 4NT (Quantitative)
L) 2 (But pass if playing 1NT as semi-forcing)
M) 2
N) 3
O) 2NT
P) 4
Q) 3 (Invitational)
R) 3 (This sequence is used to show a 3-card limit raise)
S) 2 (This could be a very bad 3-card raise, but is usually a hand like this—a "false-preference")
T) 2NT
U) 2 (Natural, nonforcing)
A 2-over 1 game force is not alertable.
The 1NT response is announced (by the opener) as "Forcing" or "Semi-forcing" -- whatever the partnership has agreed.