The Reverse - Part I by Paul Bowyer

This set of quizzes this month is all about the reverse – a perennial source of confusion for many players.

What constitutes a reverse?

Well, the simple answer is that it all boils down to to the idea of giving preference.

If opener bids two suits he is looking for responder to give preference – often by putting opener back to his first bid suit.

Think of the auction 1♠ – 2♣ – 2♥ – 2♠.

Here, opener is showing at least 5-4 in Spades and Hearts. Responder is showing at least 10 points (he has replied at the two-level) but his second bid, preference to 2♠, shows that he has had enough. Responder will be minimum and will be content for the auction to die.

Now, we come to the crux of the matter. Any auction that requires preference at the three-level constitutes a reverse, and shows a good hand, traditionally upwards of 16 points.

Thus, for instance, 1♠ – 2♣ – 2♥ is NOT a reverse as responder can give preference (2♠) at the two-level.

However, 1♥ – 2♣ – 2♠ would be a reverse. Why? Because responder would be forced to the three-level to give preference (3♥). Thus opener must have a strong hand to justify the action.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A 10 8 6
♥ 10 3
♦ A J 9 7 4
♣ K 2

Q: 1 - You open 1♦ and see partner respond 1♥.

What is your most descriptive rebid?

South	West	North	East
1♦	P	1♥	P
?

A: 1♠. All right, this is easy and obvious – well, why not? It is Q1, after all.

1♠ is an nice, simple rebid, allowing partner make his own arrangements. You have no idea of North’s intentions at this point as his hand is undefined, but your job as opener is to try to describe yours as best you can.

If partner is weak he can always give preference to Diamonds (by bidding 2♦) without going beyond the safety of the two-level.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A 10 8 6
♥ 10 3
♦ A J 9 7 4
♣ K 2

Q: 2 - You open 1♦ and see partner respond 2♣.

What is your most descriptive rebid?

South	West	North	East
1♦	P	2♣	P
?

A: 2♦. Now, by contrast with Q1, you have to rebid your five-card suit as 2♠ would constitute a strength-showing reverse.

With a moderate hand (just 12 points) you cannot afford to hoist the bidding to the three-level, and 2♠ would invite partner to give you preference to 3♦ on what may be an ill-fitting hand.

Note that partner did not choose to respond with 1♥ or 1♠, so he either doesn't have a four-card major or he is intending to introduce his second suit over a 2♦ rebid.

Either way, there is no rush to introduce Spades into the auction at this point.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A J 8 6
♥ A 3
♦ A J 9 7 4
♣ K 2

Q: 3 - You open 1♦ and see partner respond 2♣.

What is your most descriptive rebid?

South	West	North	East
1♦	P	2♣	P
?

A: 2♠. Now, with 17 good points, you are quite in order to make a strong rebid.

2♠, a reverse inviting preference to the three-level, shows 16 points, at least five Diamonds and four Spades.

The bid is forcing, note, so there is no need to rush to bid No-trumps as partner has to keep bidding. Indeed, No-trumps may well play better from the other side of the table.

There is a further point: once partner has responded at the two-level a reverse is forcing to game. Why? Because you have shown at least 16 points and partner has a minimum of 10. Do the math...

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 10
♥ A Q J 9
♦ A Q 10 7 6
♣ K 9 2

Q: 4 - You open 1♦ and see partner respond 1♠.

What is your most descriptive rebid?

South	West	North	East
1♦	P	1♠	P
?

A: 2♥. With 16 good points, you are quite in order to make a strong rebid.

2♥, a reverse inviting preference to the three-level, shows at least 16 points, at least five Diamonds and four Hearts.

Note, however, that you are minimum for your action. Accordingly, if partner signed off by giving you preference to 3♦ next at his next turn you would Pass.

Over a one-level response a reverse is forcing, but only for one round.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A Q 10 7 6
♥ 6 3
♦ A 4
♣ A Q J 9

Q: 5 - You open 1♠ and see partner respond 2♥.

What is your most descriptive rebid?

South	West	North	East
1♠	P	2♥	P
?

A: 3♣. With 17 points opposite a minimum of 10 you have to play this hand in a game contract.

3♣, a reverse opposite a two-level response, commits the partnership to game. However, it’s not at all clear at this stage which game is on the menu – 4♠, 3NT, 5♣ or even 4♥ are all still possible; North’s next bid may clarify matters.

Note that by actually bidding at the three-level you are said to be making a "high reverse" (some say a high-level reverse).

Your result so far:

Open Question

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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