reverse in bridge

Art Scpae

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20-10-2024

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The Reverse in Bridge: Turning the Tables

In bridge, the reverse is a powerful and often misunderstood maneuver. It's a situation where the declarer, instead of following the typical pattern of playing the high card first, chooses to play a low card instead. This seemingly counterintuitive move can lead to significant gains in the game, but understanding when and why to use it is crucial.

Why Would You Reverse?

The key lies in the concept of finesse. A finesse is a strategic play where the declarer aims to win a trick by forcing the defender with the higher card to play the lower card. Here's how it works in the context of a reverse:

• The Declarer: Holds a high card and a low card in the suit being played.
• The Defender: Holds the middle card in the suit.

Example:

• Declarer: Queen and 2 of Hearts
• Defender: Jack of Hearts

If the declarer plays the Queen first, the defender will be forced to play the Jack, winning the trick. But, if the declarer plays the 2 first, the defender will likely play the Jack. Since the Queen is now higher than the Jack, the declarer can win the trick!

When is the Reverse a Good Play?

The effectiveness of a reverse depends on several factors:

1. The Position of the High Card: The reverse is most effective when the high card is the top card of the suit. In our example, the Queen of Hearts is the highest Heart, making the reverse a viable option.
2. The Position of the Low Card: The low card should ideally be the lowest card in the suit. This reduces the chance of the defender having an even lower card, jeopardizing the finesse.
3. The Defenders' Hands: The reverse relies on the defender holding the middle card. If the defender holds a lower card, the reverse won't work.
4. The Suit Length: A shorter suit increases the chances of the defender holding the middle card.

Example:

• Declarer: Queen of Spades and 2 of Spades
• Defender 1: King of Spades
• Defender 2: Jack of Spades

In this case, a reverse might be risky because there's a chance Defender 1 could hold the Jack, making the reverse unsuccessful.

The Reverse in Action:

Here's a real-life example from a game played on BridgeBase Online (BBO) [Source: https://www.bridgebase.com/]:

• Declarer: Has the Queen and 2 of Clubs
• Defender 1: Has the King of Clubs
• Defender 2: Has the Jack of Clubs

The declarer, holding the Queen and 2, decides to play the 2 first. Defender 1, seeing a low card played, plays the Jack. The declarer plays the Queen, winning the trick. The reverse maneuver allowed the declarer to win a trick they would have lost had they played the Queen first.

Mastering the Reverse:

Developing an understanding of the reverse is vital for any bridge player. It requires careful observation of the cards played, a keen sense of the opponents' hands, and the ability to assess risks and potential rewards.

While the reverse is a powerful technique, it's not always the right play. Remember to evaluate the situation carefully and consider the potential outcomes before making your move. This strategic thinking, coupled with a good understanding of the reverse, can significantly improve your bridge game and lead you to more successful bids and contracts.