When playing 2/1 you need to do something as responder with 11 or 12 point hands that aren't good enough to game force. I recommend playing Semi-Forcing Notrump. This agreement means that 1NT by responder after an opening bid of 1 or 1 shows 6-12 points, and can be passed. This agreement is easy since the opener rebids naturally. Yes, you might occasionally miss a game, but it's much easier than playing the other popular treatment: Forcing Notrump.
In conjunction with Semi-Forcing Notrump, I like to play that jump-responses to 3 of a lower-ranking suit are natural and invitational. If you have an unbalanced raise of partner, you can jump to 3-of-the-major. With a balanced limit-raise, respond 1NT and jump to 3-of-the-major.
It's simple once you get the hang of it. Try it out in this quiz. Or read this article to learn why we play this way and review it.
You might also consider getting Larry's book on 2/1 Game Force HERE or try Michael's 2/1 Webinar series which you can find HERE.
You are South. What is your call?
J3
AJ9
K8765
Q32
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pass | ? |
Pass
1NT
2
2NT
3NT
Other
You are South. What is your call?
K83
A942
Q752
32
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pass | ? |
Pass
1NT
2
2
2
3
You are South. What is your call?
K83
KJ9
Q1095
Q108
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pass | ? |
1NT
2
2
2NT
3
You are South. What is your call?
3
A109
KQ10985
Q32
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pass | ? |
1NT
2
2NT
3
3NT
You are South. This time, you opened the bidding. What is your call?
32
AJ972
KQ65
Q3
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | |||
Pass | 1NT | Pass | ? |
Pass
2
2
2NT
Other
You are South. What is your call?
AJ103
K10942
K5
Q2
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | |||
Pass | 1NT | Pass | ? |
Pass
2
2
2
Other
You are South. What is your call?
KJ3
9
KQJ65
5432
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pass | ? |
1NT
2
2NT
3
4
Other