Reverse (bridge)

Reverse (bridge)

A reverse, in the card game contract bridge, is a bidding sequence designed to show additional strength without the need to make a jump bid; specifically two suits are bid in the reverse order to that expected by the basic bidding system. Precise methods and definitions vary with country and system. In Standard American a reverse is defined by William S. Root as "... a nonjump bid at the two-level in a new suit that ranks higher than the suit you bid first", and by Bridge World. as "a non-jump bid in a new suit that bypasses a bid in a lower-ranking suit already bid by the same player". The Acol definition is somewhat wider and includes any bid of a new suit by opener higher than two of their first suit.

An example satisfying both definitions is:

1♣ - 1♠; 2♥

The last bid is a reverse.

Note responder avoided making an initial response of 1♥. Despite this, opener chose to bid 2♥, apparently seeking a fit that is unlikely to exist. This seemingly odd bidding is the "reverse" of what one would expect with a minimum hand (keeping the bidding low) and is used only with strong hands as it consumes bidding space.

A relatively easy way to identify the reverse uses the "gap" principle. A simple reverse is made when:

1. Opener opens one of any suit (except spades).

2. Responder bids at the one level.

3. Responder's bid leaves a "gap" between the two bids.

4. Opener then bids "into the gap" at the two level.

For example, in the example above, the response created a "gap" of the red suits. When opener bids a red suit that was "in the gap" then that constitutes a reverse.