Reversed Splinters

Reversed splinter bids are a variation of traditional splinters. A double jump shift indicates shortness in a suit other than the one bid.

Responses to a 1 opening bid are:

Response	Meaning
3	Singleton club
4	Singleton diamond
4	Singleton spade

Responses to a 1 opening bid:

Response	Meaning
4	Singleton diamond
4	Singleton club
4	Natural

The purpose of reversed splinter bids is to prevent the opponents from doubling the splinter to suggest a sacrifice. For example:

1. Splinter, showing a game-forcing raise with diamond shortness.
2. Signoff.
3. A sacrifice at favorable vulnerability.

East is now left with a 5-over-5 decision - is it obvious to double or bid 5?

Playing reversed splinter bids, the auction might instead go:

West	North	East	South
1	Pass	4 1	Pass
4 2	Pass	Pass	Pass

1. Reversed splinter, showing a game-forcing raise with diamond shortness.
2. Signoff.

In this auction, South is less likely to hold club length, and therefore less likely to double.

Reversed splinters were created by Dutch expert Anton Maas.