2/1 Game Force

The agreement

A new suit at the two level, without a jump, promises an opening hand (about 13 or more points) and forces the partnership to game. The bids are 1♠–2♣, 2♦ or 2♥; 1♥–2♣ or 2♦; and 1♦–2♣.

Why it helps

Game is settled at once, so neither player needs to jump to show strength. The next bids can be spent describing the hand, and that makes it easier to choose the right game, or to find a slam.

Opener’s second bid

Opener simply describes the hand:

• Raise partner’s suit with three cards in a major, or four in a minor with 15 or more points counting shortness.
• A new suit is natural, four or more cards. At the two level it promises nothing extra; at the three level it shows 15 or more high-card points.
• 2NT shows a balanced 12–14 with the unbid suits stopped; 3NT a balanced 15–19.
• Repeat the major when nothing else fits. It does not promise a sixth card.

The semi-forcing 1NT response

A hand that is not worth a two-level response bids 1NT with about 6–11 points (or a poor 12). Opener bids again with almost every hand. Only a flat minimum may pass: 12 or fewer points with 5-3-3-2 shape, or five hearts and four spades.

Raising the major with only three trumps

This is where 2/1 most often goes wrong at the table. A jump raise to three of the major, and Jacoby 2NT, promise four trumps. With exactly three, choose the route by strength:

• 6–9 points: raise to two of the major.
• 10–12: bid 1NT, then jump to three of the major next turn.
• 13 or more: bid a new suit at the two level (a three-card minor if need be), then show the support next turn.

Over 1♥ with four spades as well, bid 1♠ first, because 1NT would deny the spades. This is how Bridge World Standard and Timm’s book on 2/1 play it. Without 2/1 Game Force, a direct raise to three can be made with three trumps.

When it is off

After an opponent’s overcall, a two-level new suit forces for one round only. A responder who has already passed cannot hold an opening hand, so nothing it bids forces to game; it raises with a fit, or bids 1NT (not forcing) on about 6–12.

With 2/1 Game Force switched off

A new suit at the two level shows 10 or more and forces for one round only, and 1NT over a major is 6–9 and not forcing. See Responding without 2/1 Game Force.

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