Reverse Bid

Rev: August 22, 2000

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A reverse bid shows a very good hand with the longer suit bid first. Traditionally a reverse is made with a hand containing 17+ HCP but less than a jump-shift strength. However, the shape may allow one to reverse bid with less than 17 HCP. Two aspects to consider are: (1) Shape; (2) High-card "purity points".

Based on shape, the total of "purity points" and the number of cards in the two suits determine if a reverse is warranted.

Most "Two-Over-One" partnerships play that reverses are off by opener if responder makes a 2/1 response. In this case a "reverse" bid by the opener simply shows a second suit and doesn't promise or deny a big hand. (Note: Reverses are on after a 1NT response, forcing or not).

Shape

If the shorter suit is higher ranking:

4/5, 4/6 and 5/6 shapes qualify for a reverse if enough "purity points" are present.

The longer suit is always bid first (no exceptions).

4/4 - try to avoid reversing here since partner assumes you have more cards in the first bid suit. Bid the higher ranking (if a minor) then rebid the lower ranking if appropriate.

Purity Points

Total high-card points with proper deductions/additions based on:

Jacks and Queens in your short suits are not counted.

Dominant spot-cards (tens and nines) in the long suits add importance to the count.

An absence of dominant spot-cards results in a minus point

Their presence results in a plus point.

The Rule of Purity Points Plus Number Of Cards

To use "The Rule" add the "purity points" to the number of cards in the two suits.

If the shorter suit is higher-ranking you should reverse with the following:

4/5 Shape: Reverse if the total is 26 (17 purity points and nine cards).

4/6 Shape: Reverse if the total is 25 (15 purity points and ten cards).

5/6 Shape: Reverse if the total is 24. (13 purity points and eleven cards).