After the third pass and before the opening lead is faced we are in a part of the auction referred to as the correction period. During the correction period Declarer or Dummy must advise opponents of any missed alert or explanation that was inconsistent with partnership agreements.
Show LAW 20F5 Law 20F5 A player must correct any misinformation given to the opponents at the end of the auction but before the opening lead is faced. Declarer or dummy must notify the defenders of any failure to alert or any explanation that was inconsistent with partnership agreements.
Under the Director's supervision the unfaced opening lead may be withdrawn
Show LAW 41A Law 41A The opening lead is made face down. The face‑down lead may be withdrawn only upon instruction of the Director after an irregularity has been identified.
and in a proper case the auction may be reopened with the call of the last defender to pass
Show LAW 20D3 Law 20D3 If a player has not had the opportunity to call because of misinformation or an irregularity, the Director may allow the auction to be reopened, permitting the last defender who passed to make a call.
A delayed alert is fundamentally different but also occurs during the correction period. Certain bids above the level of 3NT are not to be alerted when made, rather the alert occurs during the correction period and if you are quick enough before the opening lead is detached and placed upon the table. A delayed alert is intended to protect the non alerting side from opponents using the alert system to confirm they are both on the same page. A further explanation is found in the
ACBL Alert Procedures Guide
Show more about Delayed Alerts Delayed Arerts
In any case where a bid is Alertable but the bid is 3NT or higher, and the auction is at or beyond opener's rebid, the Alert is to be delayed until the end of the auction. Additionally, Control Bids should be Alerted at the end of the auction even if they occur below the level of 3NT. Alerts of passes, doubles, and redoubles are not delayed regardless of the level of the auction. At the end of the auction, both defenders should Alert any Alertable bids made by their partners with a Delayed Alert. The declaring side should explain any Alertable bids for which Alerts were delayed.
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