The Reverse 2 by Paul Bowyer

This quiz continues the theme of 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 Q 8 6
♥ Q 3
♦ A J 9 7 6
♣ 8 2

Q: 1 - You show your two suits cheaply after an easy bidding sequence.

What do you do next after partner gives you preference?

South	West	North	East
1♦	P	1♥	P
1♠	P	2♦	P
?

A: Pass. Like a rat up a drainpipe.

Simple preference is not forcing; in fact, it is as weak a bid as exists in this game.

1♠ was not a reverse, it merely indicated a probable holding of four Spades and five Diamonds. Partner has now suggested that you shut up and Pass and we suggest that you follow this advice.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A 9
♥ Q 8
♦ A Q 8 6
♣ A J 9 7 6

Q: 2 - You show your two suits via a reverse.

What do you do next after partner gives you preference at the three-level?

South	West	North	East
1♣	P	1♠	P
2♦	P	3♣	P
?

A: Pass. Yes, you do have 17 points, but you showed that when you reversed with a 2♦ rebid.

Partner’s 3♣ is simple preference at the lowest available level and is a cry of despair.

This hand has little future opposite a minimum one-level response (6 points or so) and you should get out of the auction while you can.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A Q 8 6
♥ A J 9 7 6
♦ A 9
♣ Q 8

Q: 3 - You show your two suits via a reverse.

What do you do next after partner gives you preference by jumping to game?

South	West	North	East
1♥	P	2♣	P
2♠	P	4♥	P
?

A: Pass. What else? You have arrived in game and have nowhere else to go.

Some sequences in this game are slam tries, suggesting that you bid onwards and upwards with a suitable hand. Well, you have nothing extra for your reverse and, anyway, 4♥ is not encouraging – quite the opposite, in fact.

Although it may seem counter-intuitive a bid of 3♥ from partner at this point would have been stronger than a jump to 4♥.

Remember, after partner has responded at the two-level a reverse is forcing to game.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A Q 8 6
♥ A J 9 7 6
♦ A 9
♣ Q 8

Q: 4 - You show your two suits via a reverse.

What do you do next after partner gives you preference at the lowest available level?

South	West	North	East
1♥	P	2♣	P
2♠	P	3♥	P
?

A: 4♥. You cannot Pass 3♥ as it is forcing.

A reverse facing a two-level response is forcing to game (cf Q2 and Q3).

Yes, 3♥ is simple preference, but as it follows a two-level response, showing a minimum of ten points, you know that the partnership[ has game values.

You are actually being invited to bid to the stars here, so 4♥ is the just about the weakest bid you can make at this point.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - You show your two suits via a reverse.

What do you do next after partner gives you preference at the lowest available level?

South	West	North	East
1♥	P	2♣	P
2♠	P	3♥	P
?

A: 6♥. We've said little about slams to date, so this is a tough question.

However, let’s study all the evidence. You have a maximum 19 points for a one-level opener, a partial Club fit with partner's suit and North says he is interested in better things than just game (cf Q4).

Your hand could hardly fit better with partner if you had stacked the deck. Thus, a slam it is.

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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