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 Introduction to Reverses by Larry Cohen

For Intermediate players, "Reversing" is possibly the least-understood area of the game. The topic is so confusing that I sometimes hear people ask: "Do you play reverses?" or "Should I play reverses?" This isn't something which is optional. It is part of the bidding, like it or not.

After opening 1 of a suit, we have to examine the situation where the opener's rebid is on the 2-level (or higher) in a higher ranking suit.

Here are some examples:
A) 1 P 1 P 2
B) 1 P 1NT P 2
C) 1 P 1 P 2

In all cases, opener has "reversed." Doing so shows a good hand, at least 16 or 17 (depending on how you count distribution). In the examples above, opener might have:

A) K32 AQ32 AKJ65 2
B) AQ65 KQJ76 AQ2 3
C) -- AQ3 AKQ2 K108765

Reversing typically shows 4 cards in the suit reversed into and at least 5 cards in the suit opened. As stated above, it shows a very good hand. With a so-so hand (such a 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 points), opener must not reverse! He has to find some other rebid. In the following quiz, you can test yourself.

Note: I do not recommend getting involved with this issue after a 2-level response. I want everyone to play that a 2-level response is natural and Game-Forcing. After this, opener can "reverse" without promising extras. So, 1-Pass-2-Pass-2 while a "reverse," should not guarantee (though it may contain) extras.

Question 1

  Your Hand
 K 2
 Q 8 7 6
 K J 7 6 5
 K J
 
Q: 1 - As South, what would you rebid?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Pass1Pass
??


 Your choice:
A: 1NT - Usually, this rebid would show a balanced hand. This hand isn't perfectly "balanced," but close enough. This is a much better description than repeating a 5-card suit. Opener should not reverse (2) with his minimum.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 2

  Your Hand
 2
 K 3 2
 A Q 7 6
 K 8 7 6 4
 
Q: 2 - As South, what would you rebid?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Pass1Pass
??


 Your choice:
A: 2 - Raising responder usually shows 4-card support. Here, the 3-card raise is the least-bad option. Rebidding 1NT with a singleton is out of the question. Repeating the 5-card club suit is not a good idea. Reversing to 2 with a minimum is unacceptable. Note: Some players might open 1 (yes, the shorter suit), to avoid potential rebid problems. That way, if responder bids the dreaded 1, opener could rebid 2 without reversing.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
 A Q 6 5
 K J 8 7 6
 Q 2
 J 3
 
Q: 3 - As South, what would you rebid (assume you are playing that a 1NT response is "semi-forcing")?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Pass1 Notrump**Pass
??
**Semi-forcing

 Your choice:
A: Pass - Assuming you are allowed to pass 1NT (the way I like to play), be delighted to do so. Don't bid a 2-card suit. Don't repeat the 5-card suit. Certainly don't reverse into 2 with a minimum.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
 Q J 3
 K
 K 4 3 2
 A 10 8 7 6
 
Q: 4 - As South, what would you rebid?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Pass1Pass
??


 Your choice:
A: 1NT - I "never" rebid 1NT with a singleton, but never say never. Here, you have to tell some lie, and I think this one is the least bad. At least the singleton is an honor (and in partner's suit, so likely we have them stopped). The alternative of repeating the 5-card suit is worse. Reversing with a minimum is a definite no-no.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
 2
 A Q 7 6
 A 2
 A K J 6 5 4
 
Q: 5 - As South, what would you rebid?
SouthWestNorthEast
1Pass1Pass
??


 Your choice:
A: 2 - Finally, a reverse! You have enough strength, and the correct shape. A reverse typically shows 4 cards in the suit you reverse into and at least 5 cards in the first suit. While 3 would show a good hand, 2 accomplishes the same thing and is much more accurate.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Overall Results

Your results:   out of    Average: 

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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