REVERSE BIDDING

"A bid that forces responder to bid at the 3 level (even with only 6 points)" ERGO MUST HAVE 17 HC points.

the bidding goes 1 diamond, 1 spade from partner( He may have only 4 spades and only total of 6 points…….5 at a push)………

now look at these hands

♠ x

♥ AKJx

♦ AKQ xx

♣ xxx

17 high card points….opened a 5 card suit..can now bid 2 hearts over 1 spade. If responder has 3 diamonds and 3 hearts….he must convert to 3 diamonds at least.

NB a reverse bid is forcing for one round….responder CANNOT pass

Can you see the logic in this? You are telling partner 2 things.

1. you have 5 diamonds and 4 hearts….(or even 6/5)

and

2) you have MINIMUM of 17 points

you have bid your hand to the full..nothing to add. Now responder knowing this .now becomes the captain and decides the final contract.

Now change the hand slightly…..and make the heart suit Axxx

Hand has only 14 points..so CANNOT bid 2♥ ..not strong enough for a reverse.

Same bidding..ie 1♦ ..1♠ ……choice of either 2♦ or 1NT(telling little fib about spades holding). Partner with 11 points plus will make another bid…..

Very important to understand this principle of reverse bidding as is negative doubles.