This topic is relevant to those who play certain bidding systems, such as Benjamin Acol or Three Weak Twos, that include strong artificial (i.e. not natural) opening two bids. Those who play Standard English (Basic Acol) need not be concerned.

There have been a number of incidents recently where players have broken the rules laid down in the Orange Book. This is hardly surprising as the rules changed in 2007, 2008 and again in 2009. What follows is an attempt to clarify what is a rather complex matter.

There are three definitions that need to be understood.

1. Rule of 25: A hand meets the Rule of 25 if the total of the high card points (HCPs) plus the number of cards in the two longest suits is 25 or more.
2. Clear cut tricks are defined as tricks expected to make opposite a void in partner’s hand and the second best suit break. Examples: AKQJxxxx (8 CCT), AKQxxxxx (7), KQJxxxx (5), AQJ98xx (5), KQJTx (3), KQJTxxx (6), AKT9xxxxx (8), KJTxxx (2).
   It is clear from these examples that '8 clear cut tricks' is stronger than '8 playing tricks' and is much stronger than '5 losers'.
3. Extended Rule of 25: A hand meets the Extended Rule of 25 if it meets the Rule of 25, or it contains at least 16 HCPs, or it contains, as a minimum, the normal high-card strength associated with a one-level opening and at least eight clear cut tricks.
   

Now, amongst other meanings that are not relevant here, two of a suit openings may be played as one of the following:

(a) strong: any combination of meanings provided that it promises a minimum strength of ‘Extended Rule of 25’

(b) any single meaning that includes at least four cards in the suit bid.

It follows that an artificial opening which shows an Acol Two is no longer a ‘strong hand’ unless it shows at least ‘Extended Rule of 25’. Thus any agreement under which an artificial opening bid shows an Acol Two is NO LONGER PERMITTED unless it shows at least such strength. For example, a Benjamin Acol 2♦ opening bid must show at least ‘Extended Rule of 25’.

Basic Acol 2♦, 2♥ and 2♠, which show 8 playing tricks in the suit bid, are permitted. They are examples of hands of type (b). Likewise, a game forcing Basic Acol 2♣ is permitted. It is an example of a hand of type (a).

Dummy has very few rights. He may keep count of tricks won and lost, he plays the cards as directed by declarer and he may ask declarer when he has failed to follow suit whether he has a card of the suit led.

However, here we are concerned with:

Law 42.B.2. [Dummy] may try to prevent any irregularity by declarer.
   
A second law is relevant:

Law 74.A.2. A player should carefully avoid any remark or action that might cause annoyance or embarrassment to another player or might interfere with the enjoyment of the game.

Law 42.B.2. is imprecise but it is clear that any preventative action by dummy should not break law 74.A.2. There appears to be no guidance in the White Book, so we have decided upon the following addition to our code of conduct:

Dummy may try to prevent any irregularity by declarer. However, dummy should have some indication that an irregularity is about to take place before he takes such action. A brief verbal warning, such as either “your hand” or “dummy”, would be appropriate.

Bidding boxes were introduced to reduce the risk of players giving away unauthorised information during the bidding. It is important that players use the bidding boxes in a manner that cannot be misinterpreted as an attempt to convey information other than the actual bid.

Starting with the dealer, players place their calls on the table in front of them, from the left and neatly overlapping, so that all calls are visible and faced towards partner. Players should refrain from touching any cards in the box until they have determined their call. A call is considered to have been made when the call is removed from the bidding box with apparent intent.

All calls should be placed made in the same manner, i.e. with equal speed and force.

Once placed, players should not touch a call again.  All calls should remain on the table until the opening lead is faced.

The Blue book has been completely revised and shortened for 2016
The Blue book is one of three books that contain the rules and regulations that govern Bridge in England. The others are:

The latest versions of the Blue and White Books are in the Director's room and can also be downloaded from the EBU website. While neither could exactly be described as a page turner, members are encouraged to scan their contents to get a better idea of what they are all about.