2 1 Game Forcing

2/1 game forcing (Two-over-one game forcing) is a bidding system in modern contract bridge in which, after a one-level opening bid, a non-jump response in a new suit at the two level commits the partnership to bidding at least game.

Normal 2/1 game forcing auctions

The 2/1 auctions are 1-2, 1-2, 1-2, 1-2, and 1||2. Hands without an opening bid (generally 12+ high card points) are required to respond 1NT to 1, or to 1 if they lack 4 spades.

Exceptions to 2/1 game force

Some pairs don't play that 1-2 is game forcing, although some do. Also, 2/1 game forcing doesn't apply to a passed hand, or if there is an intervening bid or double by an opponent. Some pairs play that 2/1 isn't absolutely game forcing; the pair can stop below game only when responder rebids his suit. For example, 1-2; 2-3 is treated as nonforcing by some 2/1 players. A regular partnership should discuss this possibility.

1NT response forcing or semi-forcing for one round+

Because the two-level responses are stronger than in Standard American bidding, the response of 1NT to 1 or 1 opening is forcing for one round and is used (among other things) for weaker hands containing low-ranking suits. Since the 1NT response is forcing, hands with a three-card limit raise can start with 1NT and later jump-support partner. See Forcing notrump for additional details. Some pairs play a variant in which the 1NT response to 1 or 1 is [[[Forcing notrump#Semi-forcing notrump|semi-forcing]]].

Other 2/1 features

Use of the 2/1 system usually implies (at least) the following additional agreements:

Some also utilize Bergen raises.

Example sequences

1-2
2-2
Forcing to game, with original spade support and good club suit.
This is different from standard bidding,
in which such a sequence would show about 10 points, and club suit could be semi-fake.
1-2
2-2NT
Forcing to game, with balanced hand and a good club suit.
1-2
2-3
Forcing, unless the partnership has agreed that this is an exception to the "2/1 rule.
1-2 Forcing for one round only (as in Standard American),
except in the variant of 2/1 where this sequence is game forcing as well.
1-2 Forcing for one round; 10 points or more with at least four clubs.
1-3 Weak; 9 points or less—sometimes much less—with at least five clubs.
1-2 Weak; 6-9 points with at least 3 hearts
(unless Bergen raises are in use, in which case it shows precisely 3 hearts)
1-1NT;
2-2
Shows a weak hand, 6-9 points, with precisely two spades.
Some also use this for an extremely weak hand (0-5) with three spades.
1-1NT;
2-Pass
Shows a very weak hand, perhaps 5-7 points, with at least four clubs.
1-1NT;
2-2
Shows a weak hand, 5-9 points, with a long diamond suit.
1-1NT;
2-2
Shows a weak hand, 5-9 points, with a long heart suit.
1-1NT;
2-3
Shows a weak hand, 5-9 points, with a long club suit.
1-1NT;
2-2NT;
Shows 10-11 points without support for spades.
1-1NT;
2-3
Shows 10-11 points with 3-card support for spades.
1-3
Shows 10-11 points with at least 4-card support for spades.
1-1NT;
2-3
Shows 10-11 points with a long heart suit.
1-2 This is a jump response, and there are different ways of handling it.
In Standard American, such a "jump shift" shows a very strong hand and is unequivocally forcing.
However, since such hands do not occur with great frequency,
it is more common today to use such a bid to show a weak hand with a long suit, unsuitable for defense.
Another possibility is to play it as a "fit-showing jump",
showing 8-10 points, a decent heart suit, and good diamond support.
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