For Intermediate players, "Reversing" is possibly the least-understood area of the game. The topic is so confusing that I sometimes hear people ask: "Do you play reverses?" or "Should I play reverses?" This isn't something which is optional. It is part of the bidding, like it or not. After opening 1 of a suit, we have to examine the situation where the response is on the 1 level and opener's rebid is on the 2-level in a higher ranking suit. Here are some examples: A) 1
-1
-2
B) 1-1NT-2 C) 1
-1-2. In all cases, opener has "reversed." Doing so shows a good hand, at least 16 or 17 (depending on how you count distribution). In the examples above, opener might have: A) K32 AQ32 AKJ65 2 B) AQ65 KQJ76 AQ2 3 C) -- AQ3 AKQ2 K108765.
Reversing typically shows 4 cards in the suit reversed into and at least 5 cards in the suit opened. There is no need to reverse with a balanced hand (either open 1NT or rebid 2NT). As stated above, it shows a very good hand. With a so-so hand (such a 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 points), opener must not reverse! He has to find some other rebid. In the following quiz, you can test yourself. Note: I do not recommend getting involved with this issue after a 2-level response. I want everyone to play that a 2-level response is natural and Game-Forcing. After this, opener can "reverse" without promising extras. So, 1-2-2 while a "reverse," should not guarantee (though it may contain) extras.
You might also consider Larry's Webinar on Reverses which you can find HERE.
2 
K32 
AQ76 
K8764
You Opp. Partner Opp. 1 Pass 1 Pass ?? Choose One:1. -1NT
2. -2
3. -2
4. -2
Answer: 42
. Normally, a raise here shows 4. But, this is one of those rare occasions where raising with 3 is okay. You have 3 to an honor and a ruffing value. Furthermore, there is no better option. Repeating the ratty 5-card club suit is out, and so is reversing. Rebidding 1NT with a small singleton? Forget it! Incidentally, many experts (including me!) would open 1 with this hand to avoid the potential rebid problem (had the response been 1). There is a quiz on 5-4 in the minors which gives more detail.Your result so far:- K2 Q876 KJ765 KJ
You Opp. Partner Opp. 1 Pass 1 Pass ?? Choose One:1. -1NT
2. -2
3. -2
4. -Other
Answer: 11NT. You don't have enough (not even close) to reverse to 2H. Rebidding diamonds would typically promise 6 or more. The lesser of evils is 1NT to show a "balanced" 12-14. Close enough.
Your result so far: - AQ65 KJ876 Q2 J3
As South, what would you rebid (assume you are playing that a 1NT response is "semi-forcing")?
South West North East 1 Pass 1NT* Pass ?? * Semi-forcing
Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -2
3. -2
4. -2NT
Answer: 1Pass. You don't have enough to reverse to 2
. You shouldn't repeat the 5-card heart suit. You don't want to bid a 2-card minor. You are allowed to pass with a flat minimum--which is sort of what you have. If 1NT were forcing, you'd have to make an ugly bid of 2. That puts the ugh in ugly. Flannery fans are smiling.Your result so far: - QJ3 K K432 A10876
As South, what is your rebid?
South West North East 1 Pass 1 Pass ?? Choose One:1. -1NT
2. -2
3. -2
4. -Other
Answer: 11NT. You shouldn't rebid 1NT with a singleton, but if ever there were an exception, this is it. Your singleton is an honor and you aren't worried too much about them running hearts (partner has at least 4). Again, this is the lesser of evils. Nothing else (especially a reverse) fits.
Your result so far: - 2 AQ76 A2 AKJ654
As South, what is your rebid?
South West North East 1 Pass 1 Pass ?? Choose One:1. -2
2. -2
3. -2NT
4. -3
Answer: 22
. Finally, the perfect hand to reverse. 2 shows 4 hearts and longer clubs (presumably in an unbalanced hand). It shows approximately 16/17+ in playing strength. It is forcing one round, but not to game.Your result so far: - KJ4 AQ105 Q1072 32
You are South. What is your call?
West North East South 1 1 DBL Pass ? Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -1NT
3. -2
4. -2
5. -Other
Answer: 42
. Partner is showing hearts. This is not a reverse, because partner forced you to the 2-level and you have a fit. Your result so far: - KQ105 AJ743 8 KJ8
You are South, None vulnerable. What is your call?
West North East South 1 2 Pass Pass ? Choose One:1. -Pass
2. -Double
3. -2
4. -2
5. -Other
Answer: 2Double. You have some extra values but not enough to bid 2
which would be a reverse here since partner has shown no values. Frequently on an auction like this, partner is praying that you will double as partner may have good diamonds. Your result so far: