I know I sound absolutely ridiculous and I'm sorry for that, but I'm still learning

I've been searching through all the pl trick threads I can get my hands on. I see the instructions on how to do it, but I don't know that I actually get it? I know the deal died recently so I can't really check if I'm doing it correctly anyway...but I just want to clarify for next time.

In reading the "original" directions from a main thread, I don't understand the "reverse 1, reverse 2" part.

Go to PL and do multi-city search
1. PHL-UA Hub City e.g., IAD or ORD
2. UA Hub to EU city
3. reverse 2
4. Reverse 1

Is the "reverse" crucial (what is it)? If so, how do I do it? Or do I just go through the multi-city search and choose an itinerary, and when I select an itinerary it will show me the fare minus fuel surcharges? I know at the bottom of the screen it tells you how much the ticket costs, and how much the fuel surcharge is, and then the total. Will the fuel surcharge show up as $0?

Sorry for sounding completely naive...but I really have searched the threads and even googled it, and experimented. I've looked up everything I possibly can in the FT glossary and everything. I wanted to exhaust my resources before asking redunant questions. I just want to be prepared next time so I can take advantage of the trick without stirring up a ruckus of conversation that kills the deal.

Thanks, everyone, in advance for your help and kindness!