Reverses Part 1 by Paul Bowyer

A: 2♦. 1NT would be grotesque with such a hand pattern and 2♥ would be a reverse, promising 16 points. (If partner hated Hearts he might have to give preference to 3♦ on a poor hand). With only 12 points you have to rebid 2♦.

2♠ would be second choice on this hand although many players are loath to raise without four trumps.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥. Now you have 16 points you are quite in order to make a reverse of 2♥. Partner is unlikely to have four Hearts (if he does, he will have five Spades as he should respond "up-the-line" with two four-card majors).

Your result so far:

A: Pass. You have to learn to spot a sign-off when you see one. Here North doesn't have to have much beyond his regulation 6 points. You have asked for preference and now you are getting it. There is no weaker bid in the game than preference to your first bid suit.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠. By showing delayed support for partner's suit you are indicating three-card support and (by inference) a 3.4.5.1 hand. Partner can take it from here, although he may find himself stuck up a creek without a paddle. You hope he has a five-card Spade suit and can bid 4♠. He may have Clubs well held and can try 3NT. If he retreats to 4♦ you will Pass.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT. North may be very weak but you have to advance to game with 19 points opposite a minimum of 6. You have the Clubs (the unbid suit) well stopped and Diamonds are a good source of tricks. Bidding on in Diamonds would be a mistake - partner is not supporting the suit, remember, he is merely giving preference.

Your result so far:

A: 3♦. You are being asked for preference to partner's first-bid suit and now you must give it. It's not your fault that you have to bid at the three-level on this tip, it's partner's. He has reversed so must have a good hand (16 points). Remember, 2♥ is forcing so you cannot Pass!

Your result so far:

A: 3NT. Only 10 points? Yes, but partner is known to have 16 (he has reversed by bidding 2♥) and you have a very important high card in his five-card suit. You also have the black suits well stopped so the opponents will be unable to run through you with either of those suits. Take the pressure off North. Who knows, if you were to try 2NT maybe partner would Pass?

Your result so far:

A: 4♠. Partner has a better than minimum reverse and has three-card support for Spades. This is good news. It is possible to depress yourself into Passing ("I only had 7 points, partner") but the robust five-card Spade suit and the golden ♦K should cause you to re-evaluate matters. With all your cards "working" (except the useless ♣J) you should advance to 4♠ with a song in your heart.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT. Some might have bid 2NT on the previous round. Now, with Clubs well stopped and the prospect of running off partner's Diamonds (that ♦K must be gold dust!) you ought to have a pot at game in No-trumps. Partner is likely to be 3.4.5.1 and you actively hope for a Club lead.

Your result so far:

A: 4♦. With 10 points and very valuable cards (all your high cards are golden) you mustn't depress partner by bidding a wet and discouraging 3♦. He might Pass that and you know you have 26 points between you. A jump to 4♦ shows real muscle and real enthusiasm for Diamonds.

Your result so far: