The bevel of the second ring goes down in the opposite direction of the first (compression) ring. This is so that it will scrape oil off the cylinder on the down stroke. Next time you assemble one, pay close attention to the bevel on the second ring. From the end gap, the bevel will be on the bottom inside edge. Notice too that on some pistons, the top ring is completely isolated from the other two be a huge space. That's because the top ring is the primary compression ring.
I've always called the top two compression rings, too.....even though that second ring's primary purpose is to keep oil away from the top ring.