Alerting and Announcing (EBU)

There has been some confusion about opening bids of 1C and 1D. In most systems these bids promise at least 4 cards in the suit, and nothing needs to be said. It is a “natural” bid.

However, players using a “5-card Major” system (where an opening of 1H/1S promises at least 5 of that suit) often bid 1C or 1D on a suit of less than 4 cards. This is allowed under EBU rules. So, what must they do…

• If the bid suit promises at least 3 cards in length, there is no alert, and no need to say anything (although it is considered polite to let opponents know you are playing “5 card majors” at the start of the round).
   
• If the bid suit could be LESS THEN THREE cards, then it must be either announced (e.g. “may be only 2 cards, or “may be a singleton”), or, if it is a totally artificial bid, it should be alerted so opposition can ask for further information.

This text, and a summary of the EBU Alerting and Announcing Guide, are now posted to our website members pages if you’d like more information.

Scoring Etiquette

North (usually) manages the BridgeMate device. North enters the contract and agreed result, pressing and passing the device to East (usually – it could be West by agreement).

East CHECKS the board number, contract, and tricks made, and presses accept (or hands it back if not correct). After pressing accept East should RETURN THE DEVICE TO NORTH.

North can now position the device so everyone can see the results, before moving on to the next board.