For Intermediate players, "Reversing" is possibly the least-understood area of the game. The topic is so confusing that I sometimes hear people ask: "Do you play reverses?" or "Should I play reverses?" This isn't something which is optional. It is part of the bidding, like it or not. After opening 1 of a suit, we have to examine the situation where the response is on the 1 level and opener's rebid is on the 2-level in a higher ranking suit. Here are some examples: A) 1
-1
-2
B) 1-1NT-2 C) 1
-1-2. In all cases, opener has "reversed." Doing so shows a good hand, at least 16 or 17 (depending on how you count distribution). In the examples above, opener might have: A) K32 AQ32 AKJ65 2 B) AQ65 KQJ76 AQ2 3 C) -- AQ3 AKQ2 K108765.
Reversing typically shows 4 cards in the suit reversed into and at least 5 cards in the suit opened. There is no need to reverse with a balanced hand (either open 1NT or rebid 2NT). As stated above, it shows a very good hand. With a so-so hand (such a 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 points), opener must not reverse! He has to find some other rebid. In the following quiz, you can test yourself. Note: I do not recommend getting involved with this issue after a 2-level response. I want everyone to play that a 2-level response is natural and Game-Forcing. After this, opener can "reverse" without promising extras. So, 1-2-2 while a "reverse," should not guarantee (though it may contain) extras.
You might also consider Larry's Webinar on Reverses which you can find HERE.
2 K32 AQ76 K8764
| You | Opp. | Partner | Opp. |
| 1 |
Pass | 1 |
Pass |
| ?? |
1NT
2
2
2
K2 Q876 KJ765 KJ
| You | Opp. | Partner | Opp. |
| 1 |
Pass | 1 |
Pass |
| ?? |
1NT
2
2
Other
AQ65 KJ876 Q2 J3
As South, what would you rebid (assume you are playing that a 1NT response is "semi-forcing")?
| South | West | North | East |
| 1 |
Pass | 1NT* | Pass |
| ?? |
* Semi-forcing
Pass
2
2
2NT
QJ3 K K432 A10876
As South, what is your rebid?
| South | West | North | East |
| 1 |
Pass | 1 |
Pass |
| ?? |
1NT
2
2
Other
2 AQ76 A2 AKJ654
As South, what is your rebid?
| South | West | North | East |
| 1 |
Pass | 1 |
Pass |
| ?? |
2
2
2NT
3
KJ4 AQ105 Q1072 32
You are South. What is your call?
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
DBL | Pass | ? |
Pass
1NT
2
2
Other
KQ105 AJ743 8 KJ8
You are South, None vulnerable. What is your call?
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
Pass | Pass | ? |
Pass
Double
2
2
Other
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