On Prize Nights the average of the two players handicaps is added to their percentage score to determine a handicap score. The handicaps are set to give any pair a good chance of obtaining a handicap score of 60%. Guests may play on prize nights and will be allocated a provisional handicap where possible. Handicap prizewinners may have their handicap reduced. Click to see current handicaps.

  Please click here read a Proposal to encourage Friendly Bridge at Barnstaple Club.  

Please be seated by 6.55 so a movement can be chosen and play start promptly.

Everyone is responsible for ensuring that the atmosphere at the tables is pleasant and relaxed. Please be particularly understanding of and helpful towards visitors and less experienced players.

If you play a system other than basic Acol or Benji Acol you should have a completed convention card on the table.

North is responsible for checking names on travellers and that correct boards are being played against the right opposition in the correct direction.  North and East both make sure that the score is entered correctly.

At end of a round North is responsible for moving the boards. If a table is still in play when other tables move, then dummy should move the completed boards.

At the end of the evening all should make sure that the boards and travellers etc are returned and placed neatly at the front, in boxes where appropriate. Tables should be folded and put at the back of the room.

When you have finished if other tables are in play, please move and talk quietly. 

Psychic bids are opening bids or overcalls in short suits or with points well below the minimum expected. The ban on psychic bids at Barnstaple was reluctantly removed at the 2012 AGM. Please, if you have to use them do so only occasionally and with due regards to the nature of your opponents at the time.

The EBU has adopted Best Behaviour @Bridge in an attempt to make bridge a more enjoyable game, and to encourage bridge players to continue to play in clubs and congresses. We at the Barnstaple Club can only agree that courteous behaviour is an exceptionally important part of that enjoyment and regret that this has not always been appreciated by all of our members. This guide serves as a brief reminder of how to behave at the bridge table.  

· Greet others in a friendly manner prior to start of play on each round.
· Be a good “host” or “guest” at the table.
· Make your convention card readily available to your opponents and fill it out completely.
· Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner and opponents.
· Give credit when opponents make a good bid or play.
· Take care of your personal grooming.
· Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off.
· Enjoy the company as well as the game.
· Avoid persistent slow play or late arrival at the table.

Remember that it is rude to criticise your partner or opponents in public, to be less than polite at the table, to gloat over good results, to object to a call for the tournament director or to dispute or argue about a director’s ruling.

Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by Law 74A, while Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties.

Call the Director if you think you may have been affected by bad behaviour. You will be helping others as well as yourself.

Enjoy your bridge, and please remember it's only a game.

Barnstaple is affiliated to the EBU under its P2P scheme.  All club members are   automatically EBU members without payment and receive a membership number from the EBU.  If  members play twelve P2P sessions in total each year at any affiliated club they qualify for the full EBU package including the free magazine and diary.