Etiquette

The following are Etiquette and Tips for Beginning Duplicate Bridge Players. Our club tends to be a social club and therefore isn't that formal in the observance of many of these. However, if you attend a tournament, you will be expected to follow these rules and etiquette tips.

Tips

1. Please refrain from cluttering the table with papers, notes, etc.

2. North hand keeps score and controls and handles the boards. North may ask South to handle them. East-West should ask before handling boards

3. Fill out identical convention cards with your partner.

4. The only cards you may touch are your own.

5. Always count your cards before you look at them.

6. Don’t touch or fondle the bidding box until you are ready to make your bid.

7. The only time you may ask an opponent what a bid means is when it is your turn to bid.

8. When inquiring about the meaning of a bid, you must ask the partner of the bidder what it means.

9. If opponent opens with 2 or 3 of a suit, ask if it is pre-emptive.

10. If your partner bids NT, announce the point range you are playing.

11. If your partner bid Jacoby Transfer say, “transfer”.

12. Know when to alert your partner’s bid.

13. You may not alert your own bid or remind your partner to alert your bid.

14. If opponent asks you what your partner’s bid means, respond with expected minimum card and point totals.

15. If you jump a level in the bidding, play the “Stop” card before your bid card. This is optional, but if you use it once during a game you must use it consistently through out the game.

16. If you are to lead to the first trick, put the lead face down and ask your partner if she has any questions before playing your card.

17. If you are declarer, it is nice to tell your partner thank you when she lays down her hand.

18. A player may ask to see the last trick played only if he has not yet turned over his own card.

19. When your partner fails to follow suit the first time ask, “no hearts, partner?” (or diamonds,etc.)

20. Do not declare that you have all the last tricks unless you are on lead. Be sure you have pulled all the trumps.

21. Be willing to play out the hand if opponents are not comfortable with your declaration of last tricks.

22. Do not discuss a board until after you have played all the boards on the table, and then only if there is time.

23. If you discuss your boards, please keep your voices down. Players at the next table have not yet played these boards.

24. Do not expose your individual score card to opponents. They may not have played those boards and should not inadvertently see the contracts played.

25. Remember, bridge is a partnership game that requires excellent communication skills. Develop your ability to share information with your partner.

26. Do not criticize your partner. If you make a mistake, just say, “sorry, partner”

27. Learn from your mistakes and most important of all, HAVE FUN.

28. Do not detach a card from your hand before it is your turn to play.

29. Try and bid all hands with a consistent tempo. Avoid fast passes, doubles etc. All jump bids should be followed by an appropriate hesitation (at least 5 seconds).

Be Gracious at the table:

G—greeting the opponents; treating them with respect and courtesy

R—refusing to participate in accusatory post mortems (WHO IS TO BLAME???!!!)

A—accepting bidding and play disasters with composure (make someone happy...)

C—complimenting the opponents for fine bidding or play (especially beginners)

I—indulging in modesty when finding that right bid or line of play (gloating is ugly!!!)

O—offering retraction of inadvertent bid or card by opponent (inexperience, nerves, age)

U—understanding that directors are often fallible (quiet discussion after the game)

S—supporting partner at all times; pard is on your side and is trying his/her best