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Duplicate Bridge results and tips: Useful conventions worth learning, part 97

By Peter Rhead

Last week we introduced the Reverse Convention.  The objective of this convention is for opener to describe a hand that is two-suited (at least 5-4) and stronger than a minimum opening of 13-15 points.

You are the opener. This week we look at some openings using the Reverse Convention and the choices you have for your second bid. Consider how you should treat each of your following opening hands for your second bid. You have the Reverse Convention agreement with your partner.

Case 1:

Spades         AKQx

Hearts          KQ

Diamonds     Kxxxx

Clubs            xx

Case 1: You are the opener and you open One Diamond with 18 points including one length point.  Always bid your longest suit first.  Partner responds One No-Trump.  Your second bid is a Reverse to Two Spades.  You have shown partner three things about your hand.  It is two-suited and it has extra values and Diamonds is your longest suit.  Partner will continue bidding as he sees fit using the information you have given him.

Case 2:

Spades         Axxx

Hearts          KQxxx

Diamonds     Ax

Clubs            xx

Case 2:  Again, you are the opener and you open One Heart with 14 points including one length point. Your partner bids Two Clubs.  You cannot bid Two Spades; you are not strong enough to Reverse.  Since partner bid a new suit, you must bid.  Two No-
Trump would show your minimum hand and it is a reasonable description of your hand.

Case 3:

Spades         AKQJx

Hearts          AKxxx

Diamonds     x

Clubs            xx

Case 3: You open One Heart with your 19 points including two length points.  You intend to Reverse.  Partner bids Two Diamonds.  At the two level partner shows at least ten points and at least five Diamonds.  You Reverse, bidding Two Spades.  Partner now knows you have a two-suited hand with extra points.  Partner becomes the captain, leading the partnership to a game or a slam.  His next bid depends on his hand strength and distribution.

For more information, check out “Reverses” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know  P. 49

Next Week: More examples of when your second bid could use the Reverse Convention.

If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.

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