Reverses and all that

Hello all teachers

Having now taught Beginners and Improvers classes for several years, and also mentored players eager to improve their game, it has become apparent to me that one of the most difficult areas for learners to grasp is the notion of the Reverse bid. And even more widely, which bids are forcing, which are invitational, and which are sign-offs. This topic is addressed somewhat briefly in the NZ Bridge Improvers Lesson 9, but I would like to initiate discussion on how we might make things a little clearer for them.

First, the simple, classic or low Reverse bid by Opener. These occur when Opener bids a suit, Responder bids another suit at the 1 level, and Opener bids a higher ranking suit than his first at the 2 level. These encompass only the following four sequences:

1♣ - 1♥ - 2♦; 1♣ - 1♠ - 2♦; 1♣ - 1♠ - 2♥; 1♦- 1♠ - 2♥

These bids should be treated as forcing for one round, and Responder can bid 3 of one of Opener’s suit, repeat his own suit or bid 2NT.

Next, the High Reverse Bid by Opener.  These occur when Responder has bid at the 2 level, and Opener bids a higher ranking suit, eg 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠. These should be treated as Game Forcing, since Responder has guaranteed at least 10 points.

A new suit at the 3 level by Opener, eg 1♥ - 1♠ - 3♣ should be treated as a Game Force.

Reverses by Responder, eg 1♣ - 1♥ - 2♣ - 2♠. These should be treated as Game Forcing.

Of course, in addition to showing strong hands, these bids also imply something about hand shape.

Thoughts?

Douglas Russell

The final situation occurs when Responder’s first bid is the limit 1NT (showing 6-9 without a suit biddable at the 1 level), eg 1♥ - 1NT - 2♠. Since Responder has denied 4♠, this cannot be an attempt to find a fit in that suit. Instead, it is best treated as forcing for one round, and invites Responder to support the now known 5-card first suit, bid 2NT or 3NT as appropriate, or sign off in a weak long minor.

Started by DOUGLAS RUSSELL on 10 Dec 2018 at 11:14AM