Reverse Bids in Bridge

Opener rebids 2♣ after 1♦ - 1♠, and responder who likes diamonds better can go back to 2♦. Make the rebid 2♥ and the same preference costs 3♦. Opener has pushed the partnership a level higher, which is why a reverse in bridge promises extra strength. It can force responder to the three level just to give preference.

A reverse is opener's rebid, at the two level and without a jump, in a new suit that ranks higher than the suit opened. The test is mechanical. If responder would have to bid at the three level to return to opener's first suit, the rebid is a reverse.

In Standard American a reverse shows about 17 or more points, and it is forcing for one round. Some partnerships start at a good 16. The shape promise matters as much as the strength. Opener's first suit is longer than the second, and typical patterns are five diamonds and four hearts, six clubs and four diamonds, or six-five.

The shape follows from the order of bidding. Holding five hearts and five diamonds, you open 1♥, the higher suit, and rebid 2♦. Five diamonds and four hearts is a different matter. You open 1♦, and the only way to show the hearts at the two level is the reverse. A minimum opening with that shape has to rebid 1NT or 2♦ instead, and the heart suit may never be shown. Most players accept that cost to keep the reverse strong.

Responder must bid once more. A reverse is not forcing to game, so responder needs a way to show a weak hand. In most standard methods there are three minimum rebids, and opener may pass any of them holding a bare reverse:

1. 1.Rebidding responder's own suit at the two level (2♠ above), showing five or more cards and a minimum.
2. 2.2NT, showing a minimum without a clear fit.
3. 3.Preference to three of opener's first suit (3♦ above), showing support and a minimum.

Every other bid forces to game. That covers raising the reverse suit, bidding the fourth suit, jumping, and bidding 3NT. A responder holding 10 or more points opposite a reverse knows the partnership has at least 27 between the hands and should not stop below game.

Lebensohl after a reverse

Many tournament partnerships play an artificial weakness bid instead, usually called lebensohl after reverses or Ingberman. Responder's 2NT, or the cheaper of 2NT and the fourth suit, asks opener to bid 3♣. Responder passes or signs off with a weak hand, and every other bid is forcing to game. The structure takes its name from lebensohl over interference, which uses 2NT in the same way.

Now give North the same shape with 13 points. Over 1♠ North rebids 2♦ instead of 2♥. South, holding 9 points, would pass or invite with 2NT, and the partnership would stay low.

Only the reverse lets South bid comfortably to the three level.

• Reversing with a minimum. A 13-count with five diamonds and four hearts rebids 1NT or 2♦ over 1♠. Partner will play you for 17.
• Reversing with equal length. Holding four diamonds and four hearts, open 1♦ and rebid 1NT or raise partner. A reverse shows the first suit longer.
• Passing a reverse. It is forcing for one round. Even with 6 points, responder bids again.
• Opening the wrong minor to avoid a problem. Some players holding four diamonds, five clubs and a minimum open 1♦ to have an easy 2♣ rebid. It works, but agree it with partner, because it changes what 1♦ promises.
• Using the reverse to show a strong balanced hand. Jump to 2NT with 18 to 19 balanced points. A reverse promises shape.

Reverses in other systems

In Acol the principle is the same, but the threshold is usually a little lower, often 16 points. After a two-level response many Acol players reverse with less, because responder has already promised 10 or more. In two over one, a reverse after a game forcing 2♣ or 2♦ response shows shape only, since the partnership is already in a game force. You can write your own thresholds into a system in the Bidding Architect and practice the rebids until they are automatic. For deciding whether a hand is worth 17, see hand evaluation.

What is a reverse in bridge bidding?

A reverse is opener's non-jump rebid at the two level in a new suit higher-ranking than the suit opened, such as 1♦ - 1♠ - 2♥. It shows extra strength and a first suit longer than the second.

How many points do you need to reverse?

About 17 or more in Standard American, sometimes a good 16. In Acol the minimum is usually about 16.

Is a reverse forcing?

Yes, for one round. Responder must bid again, but responder can show a minimum with a weak rebid, and the partnership can stop below game.

Is 1♣ - 1♥ - 1♠ a reverse?

No. Spades rank above clubs, but the bid is at the one level, so responder can still return to clubs at the two level.

What does responder bid with a weak hand after a reverse?

Rebid a five-card suit at the two level, bid 2NT, or give preference to three of opener's first suit. Partnerships playing lebensohl after reverses use 2NT as an artificial weak relay instead.