Reverse Bidding - Part 1

A "reverse" is part of standard bidding. All bridge players use it, whether they realize it or not. Understanding reversals is good for your bridge, your health and your safety.

So What is a Reverse?

Opener: Provided your partner has responded at the 1-level, the requirement to bid a new suit at the 2-level that ranks higher than your first suit, is 17+ points.

Reversing implies greater length in your first suit (usually 5-4, but maybe 6-4 or 6-5.) Reverses are forcing for one round.

All of North’s second bids are reverses:

North      South                      North      South                      North      South

1♣          1♥                          1♥            1NT                        1♦           1♠

2♦                                         2♠                                           2♥

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Here, North’s rebids are NOT reverse bids:

North      South                      North      South                      North      South

1♣          1♥                           1♥           2♣                          1♥           1♠

1♠                                          2♠                                          2♣

North’s 2^nd suit                     South's 2♣ bid                      Clubs rank lower    
is on the 1-level.                    shows 11+ points.                than hearts.