Learn to reopen with a double.
Bridge Column for June 11, 2000, By HARVEY BERNSTEIN
East-West vulnerable.  West deals.
                              NORTH
                              S: J 8 5            
                              H: 9 5 3       
                              D: J 8 7       
                              C: J 10 5 4 
            WEST                             EAST
            S: 10 4 2                        S: 9 7 3        
            H: K J 2                         H: 10 7       
            D: K 6 4 3 2                     D: Q 10 9            
            C: A 3                           C: K Q 7 6 2   
                              SOUTH                         
                              S: A K Q 6
                              H: A Q 8 6 4  
                              D: A 5       
                              C: 9 8      
          The Bidding://
                   WEST   NORTH     EAST   SOUTH                  
                   Pass    Pass     Pass    1H  
                    2D     Pass     Pass    2S  
                   Pass     3H      Pass    Pass
                   Pass                         
     Today's hand is from the recently completed regional bridge
tournament held in Independence.  The North-South pair were
defeated one trick in their three heart contract and earned two
matchpoints out of a possible twelve.
     After three passes, South, holding a beautiful collection of
high cards, opened the bidding.  When it came back around, there
was certainly enough strength to justify the "reverse" bid of two
spades.
     A "reverse" occurs when the bidder's second bid is in a suit
that is higher ranking than the first bid suit.  There are some
situations where this would not apply, but this is not one of
them.  The bid is considered forcing, in that partner is only
expected to pass with four or more spades and no points
whatsoever.
     North does not have this hand and so takes a preference to
hearts at the three level, resulting in the poor result.
     While they could have been a bit luckier, they would have
done better to buy the contract one level lower.  This could be
accomplished if South reopens the bidding with a double instead
of two spades.
     The reopening double takes into consideration different
possibilities.  Partner could have a diamonds and not be able to
double because of system constraints, or partner could have a
very weak hand (as shown).  If this is the case, partner will bid
two hearts, which could become the final contract.  It is also
possible that East will decide to compete to three diamonds which
should be doubled and defeated for an excellent score.
     When considering a reopening action in the "pass out" seat,
don't forget the "reopening double".      
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