1NR

In policy debate (and some forms of Lincoln-Douglas and parliamentary debate), the 1NR — the first negative rebuttal — is the fifth speech of the round and the second half of what is collectively known as the negative block. It is delivered by the same partner who gave the 1NC (first negative constructive), and it follows directly after the 2NC with only cross-examination separating them from the affirmative's 1AR.

Although technically a rebuttal, the 1NR functions strategically as an extension of constructive argumentation. Together the 2NC and 1NR give the negative roughly 13 minutes (in standard high school policy formats) of consecutive speaking time, against which the affirmative must respond in only 5 minutes during the 1AR. This time pressure — the so-called "negative block advantage" — is a central feature of policy debate strategy.

Conventionally, the 2NC and 1NR divide negative off-case and on-case positions between them to avoid repetition, which judges typically penalize. For example, the 2NC might extend a disadvantage and a counterplan while the 1NR handles topicality and case turns. Good 1NRs:

• Extend arguments by re-explaining the warrant, not just re-reading evidence
• Answer the 2AC responses line-by-line
• Frame the round by explaining why the negative is winning specific arguments
• Avoid introducing entirely new off-case positions, which is generally considered abusive at this stage

The 1NR speaker also typically prepares during the 2NC, since they are not cross-examined immediately afterward, allowing the team to maximize coverage. Decisions about 2NC/1NR splits are usually made during the prep time between the 2AC and 2NC, and a poor split — one that leaves the 1AR an easy path to extend a key argument — is among the most common strategic errors at novice and intermediate levels.

In CEDA, NDT, NSDA, and NPDA formats, the 1NR is 5 minutes long in high school competition and 6 minutes in college policy.