2/1 Game Force is a bidding system where a new suit at the 2-level by an unpassed responder in an uncontested auction establishes a game force over a 1-of-a-suit opening bid. 2/1 Game Force is easier and better than Standard American.
- Easier because you rebid naturally.
- Better because:
- You don't need to crowd with jumps to show extra values. This leaves room for find the right strain and assess whether a slam is available.
- You don't need to manufacture bids with a minimum opener to avoid creating a game force. This allows you to rebid naturally and makes it easier to find the right strain.
Here is a list of the 2/1 Game Forcing responses:
- 1♠ - Pass - 2♣
- 1♠ - Pass - 2♦
- 1♠ - Pass - 2♥
- 1♥ - Pass - 2♣
- 1♥ - Pass - 2♦
- 1♦ - Pass - 2♣
2/1 Game Force applies in uncontested auctions where responder is an unpassed hand and bids a new suit at the 2-level. We teach a style of 2/1 Game Force which is focused on distribution. It is important to know the weaknesses of 2/1 Game Force:
- Responding with an invitational one-suited hand
- Right-siding notrump contracts
- Assessing partner's level of slam interest
In this video lesson series, David Loeb teaches an easy, natural, and effective way to play 2/1 Game Force. Newcomers and intermediate players can begin using 2/1 Game Force immediately. Optional agreements provide tools for advanced and intermediate players to mitigate the weaknesses of 2/1 Game Force and to maximize the benefits of 2/1 Game Force.
The 5 lesson series can be purchased for $30 and viewed (or downloaded). Click here for the 2/1 Game Force video lessons. The lessons cover the following:
- Overview of the benefits of 2/1 Game Force. Why it is easier than Standard American. How to make a 2/1 Game Force. Rebids in 2/1 Auctions.
- How to respond when you don't have a game force. The pros & cons of 1NT Forcing versus 1NT semi-forcing. The pros & cons of Bergen Raises
- Choosing the right game. How to right-side notrump auctions. The best rebid structure after 1H-2C and 1S-2C.
- Slam bidding. The meaning of jump bids. Control bidding and gauging the level of slam interest.
- 1♦-2♣ 2/1 Game Force auctions. Opener's and responder's rebids. How to find the right game. How to right-side notrump contracts. Assessing slam potential.
