Reverse Rebids by David Bird

A: 2♦. When partner responds at the one-level, you need around 17 HCP or more to reverse. Such a rebid needs to show extra values, because it is forcing for one round. The bidding will therefore be carried higher than if you had rebid 1♠ or 2♣.

Here, you are happy to reverse. 2♦ shows both your shape and your strength perfectly.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣. You are not strong enough to reverse to 2♦, and must look for another bid. 1NT is not attractive when you hold such weak hearts, so you choose 2♣.

A few decades ago, some players used to open 1♦ on this type of hand, 'So I can rebid 2♣, partner.' This was a very poor idea. Partner would often give preference to 2♦ (with 3-3 shape in the minors, or even 2-3 shape) and they would end in the wrong trump suit. So, do not even think of opening 1♦!

Your result so far:

A: 2♥. A reverse opposite a two-level response is GAME-FORCING. You do not need quite as much to reverse as opposite a one-level response, but you are still showing more than a minimum, around 15 HCP or more. Here, you are just worth a reverse-bid of 2♥.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣. This sort of rebid, at the three-level over a two-level response, is known as a 'high reverse'. As with all reverse bids, it shows extra values. It is game-forcing.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥. You will find players who say "There's no point bidding hearts, because partner has denied four hearts". Others may say, "Since I wouldn't show four hearts when there is no chance of a fit, 2♥ must show five hearts." There is no sense in either of these remarks.

You should rebid 2♥ to show what YOU have! Partner will then be well-placed to move towards the best final contract. If he continued with 2♠, for example, showing values in that suit, you could bid 3NT. If instead he bid 3♣, you would be worried about the weakness in spades, so far as no-trump was concerned. You might then head for 5♦ instead.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥. If you had this shape and 17 points or more, you would reverse to 2♦, intending to show your 3-card heart support on the next round. On this weaker hand, easily the best action is to raise to 2♥ immediately.

If partner is weak and passes, a 4-3 heart fit will play splendidly with spade ruffs in your hand. If he has a good hand and bids again, he will have the space to determine whether you have 4-card or 3-card support. For example, he might bid 2NT or 3NT next, expecting you to revert to hearts if you have 4-card support.

Your result so far: