The Reverse 1 by Paul Bowyer

This set of quizzes this month is all about 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.