Reverse (bridge)

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

A reverse, in the card game contract bridge, is a bidding sequence designed to show additional strength without the need to make a jump bid; specifically two suits are bid in the reverse order to that expected by the basic bidding system. Precise methods and definitions vary with country and system. In Standard American a reverse is defined by William S. Root ^[1] as "... a nonjump bid at the two-level in a new suit that ranks higher than the suit you bid first", and by Bridge World ^[2]. as "a non-jump bid in a new suit that bypasses a bid in a lower-ranking suit already bid by the same player". The Acol definition is somewhat wider and includes any bid of a new suit by opener higher than two of their first suit.^[3]

An example satisfying both definitions 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 is unlikely to exist. This seemingly odd bidding is the "reverse" of what one would expect with a minimum hand (keeping the bidding low) and is used only with strong hands as it consumes bidding space.

1 Opener's reverse
- 1.1 High and low level reverse
- 1.2 Later bidding
2 Responder's reverse
3 Jump reverses
4 References
5 See also

[edit] Opener's reverse

This shows a minimum of 16-19 points, depending on system, and at least 5 cards in the first bid suit.

Opener's reverse may face a weak responding hand, with which responder may have intended (over a simple suit rebid) to have rebid his own suit or taken a preference to opener's first suit at the two level. Opener's reverse still allows responder to rebid his suit at the two level, but a preference to opener's first suit must be at the three level. Thus, opener's reverse must show values at least one trick beyond the minimum needed to open.

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, he must now rebid 3♦. Thus the reverse has forced the partnership to commit to taking nine tricks instead of eight - based on the extra strength of opener.

Examples of reverse bidding sequences:

1♣(by opener) – 1♠(by responder); 2♦(by opener - this bid is the "reverse")
1♦ – 1♠; 2♥
1♦ – 1NT; 2♥
1♥ – 2♣; 2♠
1♥ – 2♦; 3♣ Acol definition only
1♠ – 2♥; 3♦ Acol definition only

Opener's reverse need not be in a four card or longer suit, it can be made on a powerful three card minor suit, such as ♦AQJ. This approach is useful in investigating notrump contracts and when no other 4-card suit is available to bid.

[edit] High and low level reverse

Reverse bids are generally considered to be forcing, with subtle variations depending on system:

A standard reverse (called a low level reverse in the UK), when opener's second bid is in a new higher ranked suit at the two level, is forcing for one round only, if it follows a one level bid by responder
A standard reverse following a two level bid by responder is unlikely to be passed before a game contract is reached, due to the additional points needed for the response
Under 2/1 game forcing any rebid by opener following a two level response, which is itself forcing to game, cannot be passed until game is reached
A high level reverse (a term used in the UK and in Acol), when opener's second bid is in a new lower ranked suit at the three level, is forcing to game.
Strong club systems such as Precision Club have much less need for reverse bids to show extra strength because natural suit bids are limited. In that context, a reverse generally shows playing strength rather than high cards.

These examples illustrate high and low level reverses:

1♣ – 1♠; 2♥ : a standard reverse(or low reverse) by opener - the 2♥ bid is forcing for one round
1♠ – 2♦; 3♣ : a high reverse by opener - the 3♣ bid is forcing to game

In some variants of 2/1 game forcing, the major-suit reverse after the sequence 1♦ – 2♣ doesn't promise extra values — opener may merely show a 4-card suit or a stopper^[4]. Kaplan-Sheinwold treats 1♦ – 1M; 2♣ as a reverse although this is not standard in other systems.

[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 opening 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

[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

The term "jump reverse" denotes a jump bid in a suit in which a non-jump bid would be a reverse. 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.^[5] This is also the understanding used in Bridge World Standard, though other options may also be used.

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).