"2 Over 1" Rules
If you are just learning to play bridge, I recommend that you start by learning the standard rules. There is already so much to learn when you start bidding and playing bridge as a new learner without adding more complications than you need.
The “2/1” (two over one) rules require players to pay more attention to the seat order of the opener and responder and many 2/1 bids must be alerted. You must know when 2/1 rules apply and when they do not apply. There is much more to remember when using 2/1 rules compared to standard rules. I do not teach beginners how to play 2/1 because learning bridge can be discouraging if new players are confused and find it too difficult to learn. "Keep it simple to start," is my motto.
However, once you are bidding and playing at a comfortable level, then it may be advantageous to learn some 2/1 rules. If nothing else, it may help you understand what your opponents might be bidding. The 2/1 bidding system can be valuable for more precise bidding, especially at the slam level. Most Life Masters, highly competitive and tournament-winning players are probably using the 2/1 bidding system.
Here are three short and easy lessons to get started with some of the features of the 2/1 bidding system.
If you can master these three lessons and want to learn more, there are many books available and lots of lessons that you can take beyond these three. This is just a start to “get your feet wet,” so to speak. Good luck!
2/1 Game Forcing (GF) Bids and 1NT Forcing:
Bergen Raises and Jacoby 2NT:
Drury (also called Reverse Drury)
Practice Games for 2/1 Bidding and Standard American Bidding
These games are set up in the same way as the Practice Games for my beginner lessons — sixteen games created to match the dealer and vulnerability of duplicate boards, explanations and analysis to guide learning, and equal opportunities for all four players to have chances at bidding and playing. Suggested leads and the expected results are shown. The hands are displayed as real cards (not symbols) which makes it easier to visualize, analyse and set up the hands for playing. Before purchasing these games, I recommend that you look at Lesson 1 and 2 Practice Games which are posted on this website under Bridge Lessons, then "Practice Games for Bidding and Playing - #1-#10." This is the style and quality of what you will get. Many of my readers have purchased these lessons and are using them for teaching and learning. Also, view the sample below which is from Lesson #2.
I have used these practice games to teach and introduce players to 2/1 bidding. It’s enough to get started. After using just these bids and feeling comfortable and confident with them, players will know if they wish to learn more of the 2/1 bidding system such as splinters and inverted minors.
*Note: If you are playing BBO online, you can input these hands into your account and play them with friends.
What’s also important when learning 2/1 is that bids specific to the 2/1 system are not used all the time. You must know the difference or you and your partner will be confused. Many times, the same bid would be used whether you have adopted the 2/1 system or are just using standard bidding rules. You cannot always show GF (Game Force) in the first round, for example. Players should always be aware of the message they are communicating to partner. Here’s Board #10 from Lesson 2 so you can clearly see how each game is set up and analysed to help you decide whether you wish to purchase these games or not.
Click on image below to enlarge:
- Lesson 1 – 16 Practice Games: (focuses on Game Force 2/1 bids and 1NT Forcing)
- Lesson 2 – 16 Practice Games (focuses on Bergen raises and Jacoby 2NT)
- Lesson 3 – 16 Practice Games (focuses on Drury, includes other bids from Lesson 1 and 2)
The cost for all three sets of Practice Games is $18.00 US. Click on the “Buy Now” button to order them. You will be given the option of paying with a credit card.