Duplicate Bridge results and tip: Useful conventions worth learning, part twenty-three

By Peter Rhead

Reverses—What are they?

Frequently, your opponent may ask you “Do you play Reverses?” It is a common convention but many Bridge players do not know what it means. If you are asked this question, and you do not knowingly play “Reverses”, just say “No”. If you do not know the meaning of a convention then you do not play it!

Many players choose not to play Reverses. However, even if your partnership does not play Reverses, it is a good idea to know what a Reverse is. Such knowledge may give you some information about the strength of the hands of your opponents.

What is a Reverse? If you open One Diamond, and partner bids One Spade, and you now bid Two Hearts, you have done a Reverse. The reason is that if partner prefers Diamonds over Hearts, he is forced to bid Three Diamonds, and you are at the Three Level for a part score contract which may not be makeable.

On the other hand, if you open One Heart and partner bids One Spade and you then bid Two Diamonds, partner can Pass if he prefers Diamonds, or bid Two Hearts if he prefers Hearts. Now you are just at the Two Level for a contract which may be makeable.

Some partnerships do play Reverses. They do so deliberately as a way to show a two-suited (at least 5-4) strong unbalanced hand (16+ points). They bid their longest suit first. Reverses are forcing for one round – partner may not Pass. Unless you want to have this partnership agreement to show strong hands, it is better that you remember the consequence of a Reverse and avoid it when possible. If you want to bid two suits, bid the higher ranking suit first to avoid making a Reverse.

For more information, read “Reverses” by Barbara Seagram in 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 49

Next Week: Takeout Doubles: When and How to Use Them

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.

SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2^nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)

Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].

This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.

PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB

Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club now for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.

For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]

Results for Monday, Nov.11, 2019 1. Ted & Susan Daglish 4210 points; 2. Els Vandenberg & Peter Rhead 3290 points; 3. Andree Baillargeon & Scott Staples 2840 points

HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]

The following winners are from Tuesday, Nov 12, 2019 with 6 pairs playing a Howell Movement 1. Gerry VanLierop and Ron Groulx; 2. Joanne Garvey and Gail Lederer; 3. Liz Braham and Mary Simonett;

MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)

Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]

The following winners are from Monday, Nov 11, 2019 with 13 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; 2. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 3. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 4. Liz Barnes and David Bryce; 6/7. Lyn Walisser and Bev Howard; 6/7. Mary Mitchell and Susan Maddocks

Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.

Don’t miss out on Doppler!

Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!