REVERSES BY OPENER

The Reverse by opener is used at opener's second bid in order to show extra values and distribution.  Specifically, the requirements for a Reverse Bid are:

• 16/17+ HCP,
• greater length in the first bid suit, with
• at least 5-4 distribution in the two suits (6-5 and 6-4 distributions are also common)

WHEN IS OPENER'S REBID A REVERSE?

It's a Reverse if:

1. Partner responds at the 1-level, and
2. Opener then makes a
   • 2-level
     • non-jump bid
       • in a higher ranking suit

WHY DOES A REVERSE PROMISE EXTRA VALUES?

It all has to do with partner.  When we make a Reverse bid we create a situation where, if responder likes our first suit better than our second suit, he has to take a preference at the three-level.  Since our Reverse potentially forces the auction to the three-level and partner could have as few as six points, opener must have extra strength to compensate.  Compare these two auctions:

1 : 1     2 : 2	Here we have bid our suits in the "normal" order.  As a result partner is able to take a preference to diamonds at the two-level, keeping the auction low when he has a weak hand.
1 : 1     2 : 3	Here we have "reversed" the order in which we bid our suits.  Now responder has to go up to the three-level to take us back to our first suit (clubs)... even though he might only have six points in his hand.  Therefore 2 is a Reverse bid and promises extra values.

Examples:

Auction #1     1 : 1     2	2 is a Reverse.  Opener has: a) 16/17+ hcp b) longer than c) at least 5-4 distribution in the two suits
Auction #2     1 : 1NT     2	2 is also a Reverse.  Opener has: a) 16/17+ hcp b) longer than c) at least 5-4 distribution in the two suits
Auction #3     1 : 1     1	1 is not a Reverse, since opener has not bid at the 2-level.  Opener has 4+ diamonds and 4 spades, with 12-18 points.

High level Reverses occur after responder's first bid is a new suit at the two-level.  If opener now makes a non-jump bid of:

• a higher ranking suit at the 2-level, or
• a lower ranking suit at the 3-level

he is making what is sometimes called a "high level Reverse."  These bids are natural and show:

• 15+ hcp (1)
• at least 4 cards in the second suit
• create a game forcing auction (2)

Notice that since responder has promised at least 10 points, we do not need to be as strong for a high level Reverse as for a basic Reverse -- any non-minimum opening hand is sufficient.  Also, there are no strict distribution requirements: either suit may be longer, or they may be of equal length.

Examples:

Auction #1     1 : 2     2	2 is a high level Reverse showing at least 15 points with 5+ hearts and 4+ spades.
Auction #2     1 : 2     3	3 is a high level Reverse showing at least 15 points and 5+ spades and 4+ clubs.

Notes:

This is only true in Standard American or SAYC bidding.  Playing 2/1 Game Forcing these bids do not promise any extra values from opener.

Since responder promised 10+ points with his initial 2-level new suit response and opener is now showing 15+ points, the partnership is known to hold a minimum of 25 points and therefore can not stop below the game level.

Q & A

Q:  How do I know if my partner plays Reverses?
A:  Reverses aren't a conventional agreement: they are a basic (and important!) aspect of standard bidding.  Therefore, unless playing with a relatively new player, I would always assume that partner plays Reverses.  That being said, it never hurts to ask!  Reverses are a fairly murky area for many beginner/intermediate players and do frequently get misused.

Q:  Do I need to alert a Reverse Bid?
A:  No.  As mentioned above, Reverses are a standard part of bidding and do not need to be alerted.  If an opponent inquires, however, you should be prepared to explain the meaning of your bid.

Q:  Why don't high level Reverses apply if you play 2/1 Game Forcing?
A:  The key difference lies in the meaning of responder's initial bid in SAYC as opposed to 2/1 GF.

In SAYC, when responder starts by bidding a new suit at the 2-level he shows at least 10 points but the partnership is not committed to game.  Therefore it is important for opener have a way to show extra values (such as via a high level Reverse) and establish a game force.

In 2/1, this is no longer a consideration as responder's initial two-level new suit bid already created a game forcing auction.  Therefore opener is free to bid out his shape without having to take strength into consideration. 

Q:  It seems like a lot of people play Lebensohl over Reverses.  What exactly is Lebensohl, and is it a good convention to play?
A:  Lebensohl is a convention that is used to allow responder to describe his hand more accurately after opener's Reverse.  The cornerstone of the convention is the use of 2NT as an artificial bid that asks opener to bid 3 if he has a minimum Reverse, at which point responder can sign-off in a partscore.  For a detailed write-up, I recommend the following article:

• Lebensohl over Reverses by Karen Walker

As for whether it is a good convention, my answer is "Yes, but...."

First off, I don't consider Lebensohl a "necessary" convention by any stretch -- there are many, far more valuable conventions to spend time working on.  Also, although I think it can be useful, Lebensohl is the convention that I see forgotten the second most frequently (right behind Drury).  (You have to admit, 2NT just looks like a natural bid...)  Leb over Reverses is not particularly complicated, but since it is so easy to forget I would recommend it only to intermediate+ players who have a regular partner and who feel confident in their memory skills.  If that's you, then go ahead and give it a try.  If not, I honestly don't think you're missing out on much.  :)