Reverses

For Intermediate players, "Reversing" is possibly the least-understood area of the game. The topic is so confusing that I sometimes hear people ask: "Do you play reverses?" or "Should I play reverses?" This isn't something which is optional. It is part of the bidding, like it or not. After opening 1 of a suit, we have to examine the situation where the response is on the 1 level and opener's rebid is on the 2-level in a higher ranking suit. Here are some examples: A) 1-1-2 B) 1-1NT-2 C) 1-1-2. In all cases, opener has "reversed." Doing so shows a good hand, at least 16 or 17 (depending on how you count distribution). In the examples above, opener might have: A) K32 AQ32 AKJ65 2 B) AQ65 KQJ76 AQ2 3 C) -- AQ3 AKQ2 K108765.

Reversing typically shows 4 cards in the suit reversed into and at least 5 cards in the suit opened. There is no need to reverse with a balanced hand (either open 1NT or rebid 2NT). As stated above, it shows a very good hand. With a so-so hand (such a 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 points), opener must not reverse! He has to find some other rebid. In the following quiz, you can test yourself. Note: I do not recommend getting involved with this issue after a 2-level response. I want everyone to play that a 2-level response is natural and Game-Forcing. After this, opener can "reverse" without promising extras. So, 1-2-2 while a "reverse," should not guarantee (though it may contain) extras.

You might also consider Larry's Webinar on Reverses which you can find HERE.

Opener's Rebid with a Strong Hand After a 1-Level Response

Opener opens in a suit and his partner responds on the 1-level. When Opener has a strong hand (16+), these are the choices: 1) Rebid 2NT = 18-19 balanced 2) Reverse (a 2-level bid in a suit higher than opener's first suit) = 17+ (Forcing 1 round but not to game) 3) Jump-Raise (Jump to 3=16-18 in support and jump to 4 = 19+ in support) 4) Jump Rebid = 16-18 counting shape and a 6+ card suit 5) Jump Shift = Natural and Forcing to Game 6) Jump to 3NT = Strong hand, typically a long running suit. If that's not enough to overwhelm you, note that occasionally opener won't do any of the above. 1-1-2, for example (opener's new suit) can occasionally be bid with quite a good hand, just short of a jump-shift. For example, opener would produce that auction with this 17-count: 

 5  
 A8765  
 AKJ  
 AJ42.
 

Opening Leads against Notrump

When the auction goes 1NT-3NT by the opponents, there isn't much imagination required. Choose your longest and strongest suit and usually lead the 4th-highest card in it. A few "what-ifs" 1) What if it is just about a "tie" for longest and strongest? With two 4-card suits or two 5-card suits, roughly of equivalent strength, prefer a major when in doubt. (Your opponents would usually look for or show a major if they had one). 2) What if you have a "sequence?" If 3 in a row (QJ10 or KQJ), lead top. If "almost" 3 in a row (such a KQ10 or QJ9), also lead top. Otherwise, tend to lead 4th best.

You might also consider getting Larry's book on Defense HERE or try Larry's Defense Webinar series which you can find HERE. 

Opener's Rebid with a Minimum Hand after a 1-level response

After an Opening Bid and a 1-level Response, opener, with a minimum hand, will make a "low" rebid. He will not jump, and will not reverse. He rebids 1NT with a balanced minimum (12-14), repeats his suit with 6+ or bids a second suit with 4+.

Opener's Rebid with a Medium Hand after a 1-level response

You've opened 1-of-a-suit but don't have a minimum (about 12-14), but neither do you have a maximum (about 18-20). You have to choose a rebid. With that in-between range, opener won't have a balanced hand (would have opened 1NT with 15-17 balanced). So, your possibilities are: 1) Jump rebid your suit (6+ card suit, roughly 15-18 in playing strength) 2) Jump raise your partner (4-card support, roughly 15-18 in playing strength) 3) Bid a new suit (very wide range). For 1-1-2 you could have a dead minimum, but could have up to about 17 or 18 (because 1-1-3 would be GF) .

Note: In #3,  "Bid a new suit" does not refer to a jump shift (GF) or a reverse (forcing one round).