Reverse Bidding

Edited from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_(bridge) for the full version)

A reverse bid, is a bidding sequence which shows 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. A reverse bid is a non-jump bid at the two or three-level in a new suit of a higher rank than the suit you bid first".

An example is: (assume the opposition pass throughout)

Opener1♣ , responder 1♠; openers rebid 2♥

The last bid (i.e 2♥ ) is now a reverse bid.

Note responder has not made 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, it is used only with strong hands and also keeps the bidding low.

Opener’s reverse

This shows a minimum of 16-19 points and at usually 5 cards in the first bid suit.

An example, following 1♦ – 1♠ ; 2♥ - ?, responder may have a weak hand such as ♠QJ86 ♥KJ ♦8762 ♣Q74 and be planning to rebid 2♦, a simple preference, if opener made a typical rebid such as 2♣, and to pass if opener rebid 2♠ or 2♦. However, following the reverse bid, he must now rebid 3♦ or 3NT. Thus the reverse has forced the partnership to a higher level - 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♦; 3♣
• 1♠ – 2♥; 3♦

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

High and low level reverse

Reverse bids are generally considered to be forcing:

• A standard reverse (called a low level reverse), 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 high level reverse is when opener's second bid is in a new lower ranked suit at the three level, and is forcing to game. (i.e a new suit at the 3 level)

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