Bridge Etiquette

This etiquette list is intended to ensure the laws of bridge are followed,
these are largely designed to prevent the accidental transfer of
unauthorised information. The following will also keep the session
running to time, and reduce the risk of errors in play or recording.

1. Greet your opponents and check that the Bridgemates say they are
the right people. Both pairs are responsible for checking that they are
sitting in the correct direction and that they have the correct boards.

2. Count your cards, face downwards, before looking at them.

3. Do not touch the bidding box, or ‘hover over it’ until you have
decided what bid you will make. Please do not make any comments
about your bidding.

4. During the bidding sequence only ask questions when it is your turn
to call and if you are considering making a bid yourself.

5. Be aware of when to ‘alert’ and ‘announce’ the meaning of a bid. If
you alert your partner’s bid do not say anything unless the opponents
ask.

6. Be aware of the correct use of the 'Stop' card. (The instructions are
on the reverse of the card itself).

7. When bidding is completed, leave the bidding cards on the table until
the lead has been established.

8. If misinformation has been given during the bidding by DECLARER or
DUMMY this should be explained to the opponents after the final bid has
been made but before play starts – if defenders think they may have
been damaged they should call the Director.

9. When you lead, place your card face down on the table before asking
your partner if they have any questions.

10. Please make your lead before using the Bridgemate or completing
your scorecard. Similarly if you are dummy please put your hand down
first before using the Bridgemate or completing your scorecard.

11. During play, declarer’s partner must keep hands well clear of the
dummy until declarer has asked for a specific card.

12. Having played the hand please agree the result before gathering up
the cards so that any disagreement can be checked and resolved.

                         Club Etiquette

1. Please arrive in plenty of time as the Director needs to select the
movement on the scoring computer.

2. Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched to silent.

3. North is in charge of the table and will operate the bridgemate (they
can delegate this to South). When each hand is complete, North will
pass the Bridgemate to East to confirm that the details ie the contract
and the score, have been entered correctly. East should accept or ask
for correction and then return the bridgemate to North. If time permits,
North will show the table the scores achieved on other tables.

4. Please do not discuss hands until you have played your allocated set.
When there is time, discuss the hands quietly as nearby tables may be
playing the hands after you. Keep your voices down.

5. If a pair is discussing their bidding or play do not join unless your
opinion is requested.

6. Always call the director if there is a debatable point at your table. For
example, a bid out of turn, an insufficient bid, long pause before
passing, lead out of turn, or a revoke.

7. Before leaving please give support with the clearing up if you are
able. The club relies on all members to help where they can.

8.Thank the director and scorer.

Enjoy your bridge