Reverse (bridge)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article concerns Contract Bridge and uses terminology associated with the game. See Contract bridge glossary for an explanation of unfamiliar words or phrases.

In the game of bridge, a reverse is a bid, in an unopposed bidding sequence, in a new suit that could have been bid by partner but was skipped instead. A simple example is:

1♣ - 1♠; 2♥ The last bid is a reverse.

Note responder avoided making an initial response of 1♥. Despite this, opener chose to bid 2♥, apparently seeking a fit that cannot exist. This seemingly odd bidding is the "reverse" of what one would expect and is used only with strong hands since it consumes bidding space. In particular, responders preference to opener's first suit can no longer be made at the two level.

Less common, jump reverse bids have a conventional meaning akin to splinter bids.

1 Opener's reverse
2 Responder's reverse
3 Jump reverses
4 References

[edit] Opener's reverse

This shows a minimum of 17-19 points, depending on system, and at least 5 cards in the first bid suit.

For example, following 1♦ – 1♠; 2♥ - ?, responder may have a weak hand such as ♠QJ86 ♥K2 ♦8762 ♣Q74 and be planning to rebid 2♦, a simple preference, if opener made a typical rebid such as 1NT or 2♣, and to pass if opener rebid 2♠ or 2♦. However, following the reverse, if responder wishes to show a weak hand, perhaps with some diamond support (in other words a simple preference bid) he must now rebid 3♦, which is a level higher than he was originally planning on. Thus the reverse has forced the partnership to commit to taking nine tricks instead of eight.

In the example, opener's bid of 2♥ is termed a reverse bid, because the two suits have been bid in the reverse of the normal order. The higher ranking suit is normally bid first, followed by the lower ranking suit. With this bidding 1♥ – 1♠; 2♦ - ? responder can comfortably make a simple preference to 2♥ without raising the bidding level.

[edit] Some examples

The final bids shown in these sequences are not reverses as these are made in a suit not skipped by partner:

1♣ – 1♥; 1♠
1♦ – (2♣) – 2♥; 2♠
1♣ – 1♥; 2♠

But in the following sequences, each final bid shown is a reverse by opener:

1♣ – 1M; 2♦
1♦ – 1♠; 2♥
1♦ – 1NT; 2♥
1♥ – 2m; 2♠
1M – 2♦; 3♣
1♠ – 2♥; 3m

This treatment – that a reverse shows extra strength – is the reason for the development and use of the Flannery convention.

Opener's reverse need not be in a four card or longer suit, it can be made on a powerful three card suit (preferably a minor), such as ♦AQJ. This approach is useful in investigating notrump contracts.

Styles differ as to whether opener's reverse is forcing. Standard American bidding usually treats a reverse after reponder's one-level bid as non-forcing; so, 1♦ – 1♠;2♥ is not forcing. Standard American treats a reverse after responder's two-level bid as forcing; so, 1♥ – 2♣; 2♠ is forcing. Other systems treat opener's reverse as a one round force, regardless of the level of responder's first bid. Strong club systems such as Precision Club have much less need for reverse bids to show extra strength because natural suit bids are limited. Note, Kaplan-Sheinwold treats 1♦ – 1M; 2♣ as a reverse although this is not standard in other systems.

[edit] High and low level reverse

In the following bidding sequences, the last bids are reverse bids:

1♣ - 1♠; 2♥ : a low reverse by opener (non-forcing in Standard American but forcing for one round in Acol)

1♠ - 2♦; 3♣ : a high reverse by opener (forcing for one round in Standard American but forcing to game in Acol)

[edit] Later bidding

Most pairs play a rebid of the suit and a 2NT rebid in response to opener's reverse as weak. Other responses, in particular the delayed raise of the openings suit, are forcing; thus:

1♣ - 1♥; 2♦ - ??

2♥ : weak, 5+ card

2♠ : strong relay (Fourth suit forcing)

2NT : weak relay

3♣ : forcing, 3+ card support

Specific conventions like Ingberman have been devised to facilitate further bidding after a reverse.

[edit] Responder's reverse

Most standard methods treat a responder's reverse as a game force. Responder's reverse usually follows a same suit rebid or a notrump rebid by opener, because otherwise it would be treated as conventional. Typical responder's reverse sequences are:

1♦ – 1♥; 1NT – 2♠

1♣ – 1♦; 2♣ – 2♥

[edit] Jump reverses

Jump reverses after a major-suit response carry a special meaning. Most expert partnerships utilise this bid to denote game-going values with shortness (often specifically a singleton) in the suit bid and support for partner's major suit. An example of a jump reverse is:

1♣ – 1♠; 3♥

Partnerships utilising this agreement commonly agree that in this situation a splinter bid (i.e. a double jump in a new suit) indicates a void.^[1]

Jump reverses after a 1NT response to a minor opening are often used to indicate game-going values with shortness in the suit bid (a singleton or void) and six cards or more in the minor suit opened. This agreement facilitates partner in deciding the final contract (in most cases 3NT or a game or slam in the opened minor).