When we have a strong spade holding, it becomes critical to protect our spade suit from becoming weakened. How can we better communicate to our partner that our hand is not suited for ruffing purposes?

The Doubleton Reverse Signal provides us with another means of communication. Each time we are forced to trump from a long spade suit, we reduce its true value. With such hands, there are a few methods available to protect our hand from becoming weakened. First, we develop our long suit and avoid leading our short suits. Second, we preserve critical entry cards for later spade leads. Third, we give partner a description of our hand. What means do we have at our disposal in order to give partner a clearer picture of such a hand? Consider the following holdings:

A K 5 3 2 A K 8 5 Q J 10 7

A 9 5 4 A 8 5 A Q J 10 7 6

10 5 4 3 2 A K 9 6 5 8 5 A

If we are on lead, our strategy is simple. We will simply develop our long suit until someone hopefully ruffs. Then, we will push spades by means of our entry cards. However, what if we don't have the luxory of being in the lead? The opponents aren't likely to cater to our needs. Furthermore, partner is desperately looking to find your preferred suit due to your aggressive bid.

In each of the above cases, let us assume that the opposition decides to lead diamonds. The generally accepted convention for a doubleton holding is to send a high-low signal. In addition to doubletons, we also send a high-low signal when we wish for a suit to be continued. Thus, if we decide to use this signal in both situations (A doubleton holding and a strong holding), our means of communication becomes vague. For instance, in the above cases, we don't want partner to continue diamonds! Perhaps there is a better way.

The "Doubleton Reverse Signal"

In order to protect our partner from making the mistake of weakening our spades, and also to signal what type of hand we have, it is best to refuse the high-low signal with the above holdings. Now when Partner observes our low card along with our high bid, he will hopefully switch suits in order to find your strong suit. Furthermore, when he finally notes that we are out of diamonds on the third lead, he can deduce what type of hand we hold. Essentially, the Doubleton Reverse signal sends the message "Pard, if your hand allows it, a switch would be nice."

Long-Suit Signals

In addition to playing from low-high on our doubleton holdings, we should alert partner with an attitude signal when possible with our long suit holdings. This Attitude signal will communicate to our partner where our strength is located. Here's a deal that illustrates the usefulness of the Doubleton Reverse Signal:

North J 5 Q 3 A K 8 K J 10 5 3 West 10 8 7 6 4 Q J 10 5 4 Q 6 2 East Q 9 7 6 K 8 2 7 6 3 9 8 7 South A K 5 4 2 A J 10 9 5 9 2 A The bidding: North East South West 3 3 6 1 North led the K

South liked the texture of his hand and considered bidding 7. However, since he was in the 3rd seat, there was no need to bid the full value of his hand. Additionally, he didn't like the idea of a 13-bid before West has even bid!

Play of the hand with the normal high-low signal: On North's lead of the K, South played the 9. North took this signal as encouraging and thus cashed the A and led a third round which South cut with the 2 of spades, and followed with the Ace and King of spades. Hoping for a spade split, South then led a low spade. Unfortunately, East held both the Q9. He won pulled South's last spade. East then led his remaining diamond to Wests's QJ. West then led a low club to South's ace. South however, was forced to lead a low heart and East took the setting trick with the king.

Of course, South made a semi-risky play by leading a 3rd round of spades. Indeed, even if South restricts himself to two rounds, his next best lead is a low heart. East would then be on lead and would pull South's remaining spades. This leads to the same result.

Play of the hand with the Doubleton Reverse signal: On North's diamond lead, South plays the discouraging deuce. Thus, North switches to the Q which East covers with the king and South takes with the ace. South then continues hearts until someone cuts. If West cuts the fourth round, North will overruff and East must overruff North. Whether East decides to lead a diamond or a club, two rounds of spades will follow. South will then simply lead his last heart forcing East to ruff. North-South take the remaining tricks and this time East-West are set. A triumph for the Doubleton Reverse Signal!

-- Dustin Stout