What is Unauthorised Information?

Often referred to as UI.  This is when your partner obtains information from you by your actions such as hesitation, mannerism, facial expression etc.

We all know that you may need to think about a bid and this is entirely legitimate.  However, that change of tempo gives your partner information that you have something to think about.  YOU MAY NOT USE THAT INFORMATION.  IT IS UI.

Everyone needs to take care that they do not provide or use UI.  If in doubt, call the TD who will assess the situation.

Please see Law 16B below for a full explanation.

Newcastle-under-Lyme & Hunstanton Bridge Club

Law 16 B. Extraneous Information from Partner

1. Any extraneous information from partner that might suggest a call or play is unauthorized. This includes remarks, questions, replies to questions, unexpected alerts or failures to alert, unmistakable hesitation, unwonted speed, special emphasis, tone, gesture, movement or mannerism.

(a) A player may not choose a call or play that is demonstrably suggested over another by unauthorized information if the other call or play is a logical alternative. 

(b) A logical alternative is an action that a significant proportion of the class of players in question, using the methods of the partnership, would seriously consider, and some might select. 

2. When a player considers that an opponent has made such information available and that damage could well result he may announce, unless prohibited by the Regulating Authority (which may require that the Director be called), that he reserves the right to summon the Director later (the opponents should summon the Director immediately if they dispute the fact that unauthorized information might have been conveyed). 

3. When a player has substantial reason to believe that an opponent who had a logical alternative has chosen an action suggested by such information, he should summon the Director when play ends*. The 
Director shall assign an adjusted score (see Law 5 12C1) if he considers that an infraction of law has resulted in an advantage for the offender.

*It is not an infraction to call the Director earlier or later.