Bridge Reverse Bid: Complete Guide to Reverses in Bridge

A bridge reverse bid is one of those concepts that separates casual players from serious students of the game. If you’ve ever wondered why partner got so excited after bidding 1♥️ then 2♠️, you’ve encountered a reverse. Understanding reverses unlocks a powerful bidding tool that shows both your shape and strength in a single bid.

What Is a Reverse in Bridge?

A reverse happens when opener bids a new suit at the two level that’s higher-ranking than their first suit. The name comes from the fact that you’re bidding suits in “reverse” of their normal rank order—higher suit first, then lower suit, instead of the typical up-the-line approach.

Here’s the classic pattern:

• You open 1♦️
• Partner responds (usually 1♥️, 1♠️, or 1NT)
• You bid 2♣️

Wait—that’s not a reverse! Clubs rank lower than diamonds, so bidding clubs after diamonds doesn’t force partner up a level.

This is a reverse:

• You open 1♣️
• Partner responds 1♦️
• You bid 2♥️

Now we’re talking. Hearts rank higher than clubs, and you’ve shown them at the two level after opening a lower suit. This forces partner to bid at least 2♥️ to show preference back to your first suit, which is why reverses promise extra values.

The mathematical reality is simple: when you bid a higher-ranking suit after a lower-ranking suit at the two level or higher, you force partner to the three level if they prefer your first suit. That’s expensive, so you need extras to justify it.

Why Reverses Show 17+ Points

Think about the auction from partner’s perspective. You open 1♣️, they respond 1♦️ with maybe 6-7 points, and now you bid 2♥️. If they have:

♠️ 8 5
♥️ 7 4
♦️ A J 9 6 4
♣️ Q 8 5 2

They’d prefer clubs to hearts, right? But to show that preference, they must bid 3♣️. You’ve pushed them to the three level when they might have a minimum response. If you only had 13-14 points yourself, you could be at the three level with 20 combined points—a recipe for going down.

The solution: reverses promise at least 17 points (some play 16+, but 17 is standard). This ensures that even if responder has a bare minimum, you’ll have around 23 combined points for a three-level contract.

A reverse also shows an unbalanced hand—specifically, at least five cards in your first suit and four in your second. With 5-5, you have flexibility in which suit to bid first, but reverses typically show 5+ in the first suit and exactly 4 in the second.

Requirements for a reverse:

• 17+ points
• 5+ cards in the first suit
• 4+ cards in the second (higher-ranking) suit
• Forcing for one round

The forcing nature matters. Responder can’t pass your reverse. Even with a complete misfit and minimum values, they must bid again. This is what makes the strength requirement non-negotiable.

Opener’s Reverses vs. Responder’s Reverses

While opener’s reverses get most of the attention, responder can reverse too—though the meaning differs.

Opener’s Reverse

Auction: 1♣️ – 1♠️ – 2♥️

This shows:

• 17+ points
• 5+ clubs, 4+ hearts
• Forcing for one round

Opener might hold: ♠️ A 4
♥️ K Q J 5
♦️ K 3
♣️ A Q 10 7 4

Too strong for 1NT (16-18), too unbalanced for 2NT, and you need to show both suits. The reverse handles it perfectly.

Responder’s Reverse

Auction: 1♣️ – 1♦️ – 1♥️ – 2♠️

Responder’s 2♠️ is also a reverse (bidding a higher suit at the two level after bidding a lower one first). However, responder’s reverse doesn’t promise as much—typically 11+ points rather than 17+. Why the difference?

Opener has already limited their hand somewhat by not opening 2♣️ or making a strong jump shift. Responder’s job is to show shape and values without overstating. A responder reverse shows a good hand with length in both suits but doesn’t promise game-forcing values.

Responder might hold: ♠️ K Q 10 6 4
♥️ 7
♦️ A J 8 5 3
♣️ K 4

With 11 HCP and great shape, responder shows both suits. The reverse conveys “I have real values and at least 5-4 in these suits, probably 5-5.”

Responding to Partner’s Reverse

When partner reverses, you’re forced to bid, but you have several options depending on your strength and fit.

With Minimum Values (6-8 points)

Show preference at the cheapest level:

• 1♣️ – 1♦️ – 2♥️ – ?
  • 2NT = no fit, stopper(s), minimum (if playing 2NT as available)
  • 3♣️ = preference to clubs, minimum
  • 2♥️ = 2-card support, minimum

The 2♥️ bid is sometimes called “preference by necessity”—you’re not promising real support, just picking the likely least-bad spot.

With Invitational Values (9-11 points)

Make an encouraging bid:

• 3♣️ = good club support, invitational
• 3♥️ = 3-card heart support, invitational
• 2♠️ = natural, showing your own suit, forcing
• 2NT = stoppers, balanced, invitational (10-11)

With Game-Going Values (12+ points)

Head toward game:

• 4♥️ = 4+ card support, slam interest possible
• 3NT = balanced, stoppers
• 3♣️ = strong support, maybe slam interest
• New suit = forcing, exploring for the best game

Remember: partner has 17+ points and you have 12+. That’s 29 combined—you’re in the slam zone. Don’t sign off prematurely.

Jump Reverses

A jump reverse is exactly what it sounds like: opener jumps when reversing suits.

Auction: 1♣️ – 1♦️ – 3♥️

This is a jump reverse (you could have bid 2♥️ but chose 3♥️). Jump reverses show:

• 19-20+ points
• 5+ clubs, 4+ hearts
• Game-forcing values

With: ♠️ A K
♥️ A K J 5
♦️ 4
♣️ K Q J 10 6 4

You’re too strong for a simple 2♥️ reverse. The jump communicates “We’re bidding game minimum, probably slam.” Jump reverses save bidding space by immediately establishing a game force.

Some partnerships play jump reverses as showing a solid or semi-solid first suit, similar to a strong jump shift. Discuss this with your partner—there’s no universal standard.

When a Bid Is NOT a Reverse

This trips up many players. Not every second suit at the two level is a reverse.

Opener Rebids at the One Level

Auction: 1♣️ – 1♦️ – 1♥️

Not a reverse! You haven’t forced partner up a level. This shows 12-18 points, 4+ hearts, and doesn’t promise extras. Partner can pass with a misfit and minimum.

Lower-Ranking Suit at the Two Level

Auction: 1♥️ – 1♠️ – 2♣️

Not a reverse. Clubs rank lower than hearts, so this doesn’t create bidding problems for responder. This shows 12-18 points, typically 5+ hearts and 4+ clubs. Not forcing (though most play it as highly encouraging).

After a Two-Over-One Response

Auction: 1♥️ – 2♣️ – 2♠️

This shows spades, but it’s not a traditional reverse in terms of strength requirements. Why? Because 2♣️ is already game-forcing (in standard 2/1 systems), so you don’t need the 17+ points to justify showing your suits. You’re already committed to game, so you’re just describing shape.

Fourth Suit Forcing

Auction: 1♦️ – 1♥️ – 1♠️ – 2♣️

Responder’s 2♣️ is often played as fourth suit forcing (artificial, asking for more information) rather than a natural reverse. Even if played as natural, it’s not a true reverse because the auction began with opener bidding up-the-line.

Jump Shifts

Auction: 1♣️ – 1♦️ – 2♠️

This is a jump shift, not a reverse. Jump shifts show 19+ points (or whatever your partnership agreement defines) but follow different rules than reverses. The jump is the key feature, not the rank of the suits.

Example Reverse Auctions

Let’s see reverses in action with complete hands.

Example 1: Classic Opener Reverse

Auction:

West: ♠️ K 4 ♥️ A Q J 6 ♦️ K Q 10 7 4 ♣️ A 5
East: ♠️ A J 8 6 5 ♥️ 7 3 ♦️ 9 2 ♣️ K Q 10 6

West opens their longer suit (diamonds), then reverses to show 17+ points and hearts. East has 9 HCP with no fit, so bids 2NT (invitational, showing stoppers). West accepts with 18 HCP, and 3NT makes comfortably.

Example 2: Responder Shows Preference

Auction:

West: ♠️ A Q ♥️ K 4 ♦️ A K J 5 ♣️ Q 10 8 7 4
East: ♠️ 8 5 3 ♥️ Q J 9 6 5 ♦️ 7 2 ♣️ K J 3

West reverses to show extras and diamonds. East has 8 HCP and prefers clubs, showing minimum values by going back to 3♣️. West has enough for 3NT with club support and stoppers, reaching the best game.

Example 3: Finding the Slam

Auction:

West: ♠️ A 5 ♥️ A K Q 6 ♦️ K Q 4 ♣️ A J 10 8
East: ♠️ K Q 10 6 4 ♥️ 7 ♦️ A 6 3 ♣️ K 9 6 3

West reverses with 20 HCP. East shows extras with good club support (3♣️). West shows three-card spade support, East shows strong clubs, and they cue-bid their way to a nice slam. The reverse started the ball rolling by showing West’s strength.

Common Reverse Mistakes

Mistake #1: Reversing with Minimum Openers

You hold: ♠️ K 3 ♥️ A Q 10 4 ♦️ 6 ♣️ A Q 10 7 5 3

You open 1♣️, partner responds 1♠️. Don’t bid 2♥️! You only have 14 HCP. Bid 1NT instead (or 2♣️ if playing that as forcing), showing 12-14 balanced. Save reverses for hands with genuine extras.

Mistake #2: Passing Partner’s Reverse

Partner opens 1♦️, you respond 1♠️ with ♠️ Q 10 7 6 4 ♥️ 6 3 ♦️ J 5 ♣️ K 10 8 4. Partner reverses to 2♥️. You can’t pass! Reverses are forcing. Bid 2NT, 3♦️, or 2♠️ (if played as non-forcing preference).

Mistake #3: Confusing Reverses with Jump Shifts

After 1♣️ – 1♦️, bidding 2♥️ is a reverse (17+ points). Bidding 3♥️ is a jump reverse (19-20+ points). Bidding 2♠️ is a jump shift (19-21+ points by most agreements, or even stronger). Know which agreement you’re using.

Mistake #4: Forgetting the 5-Card Requirement

Reverses promise 5+ cards in your first suit. Don’t reverse with 4-4 in the minors after opening 1♣️. If you have ♠️ K 4 ♥️ A Q 10 6 ♦️ A K J 5 ♣️ 8 6 3, open 1♦️ (your better minor), then bid hearts naturally. Opening 1♣️ and reversing to 2♦️ would promise 5+ clubs.

Mistake #5: Over-Valuing Distribution Without Points

You have ♠️ 4 ♥️ K Q 10 6 ♦️ 7 ♣️ A Q 10 8 6 4 3—15 HCP with great shape. After 1♣️ – 1♠️, you’re tempted to reverse to 2♥️. Resist! You don’t have 17 points. Rebid 3♣️ to show the long suit and extras, or 2♣️ if not playing that as forcing.

Mastering the Bridge Reverse Bid

The reverse is a precision tool. It describes unbalanced hands with extras that are too strong for minimum rebids but not strong enough (or suitable) for jump shifts. Once you recognize the pattern—higher suit at the two level after opening a lower suit—you’ll spot reverses easily.

Remember these key points:

• Reverses show 17+ points and 5+ cards in the first suit
• They’re forcing for one round
• Responder must bid but can show minimum with simple preference
• Not every second suit at the two level is a reverse (check the suit ranks!)
• Reverses are about suit rank order, not point count alone

Master reverses, and you’ll handle strong unbalanced hands with confidence. You’ll also know how to respond when partner shows extras, whether to sign off in a part-score, invite game, or push for slam. That’s the beauty of a well-understood bidding tool—it lets both partners make informed decisions based on shape and strength.

The next time you pick up a strong hand with 5-4 shape, you’ll know exactly what to do. And when partner reverses, you won’t panic—you’ll evaluate your hand, consider the options, and choose the bid that best describes your holding. That’s bridge at its finest.