Etiquette in the game of bridge

Raunds bridge club rules of etiquette

Bridge etiquetteAlthough bridge is a game to be enjoyed there has to be a few rules of etiquette attached to it because it's very easy to cheat at the game. Some clubs have very strict rules on etiquette and one is likely to get frowned at for the slightest breach of these. At Raunds bridge club we recognise these rules but don't implement all of them as we are a very small club and everyone knows everyone else. If you want a complete list of bridge etiquette you can download those provided by the English Bridge Union or a very useful article on bridge etiquette and rules written by Marilyn Hemenway.

For our sessions please bear in mind the following:

  • Please be on time and and take a seat at a table as we cannot set up the tablets until we know the table combinations
  • Please do NOT collect any boards until one of the scorers gives the OK
  • Please obtain your pair number from the table cards or from the tablets once they are issued
  • Both pairs should check that they are playing the correct boards against the correct opponents
  • Try to keep up with the general speed of play so that people are not waiting around
  • During bidding, use the bidding cards only and make sure you show the stop and alert cards when needed
  • The stop card should be shown for about ten seconds and then replaced in the box
  • The opening lead should be made face down and agreement reachedwith partner that all is OK before it is faced.
  • It is usual to thank partner after s/he exposes dummy even if you don't like what you see!
  • When you first pick up your hand, make sure you have thirteen cards before bidding
  • Try not to rearrange suits in your hand once play has commenced
  • North player should normally take charge of the boards and fill in the score on the tablet although this can be delegated to South or in fact, any player.
  • The completed tablet score should be shown to one or both of the opposing pair and they should select the yes option on the tablet
  • Don't criticise the play of your partner or your opponents. It's supposed to be fun!
  • Dummy may call the attention of the declarer if s/he leads from the wrong place. No other comments are allowed
  • When declarer calls for a suit without specifying the rank the lowest ranking card shall be selected
  • When declarer calls for named rank without specifying the suit the suit that won the previous trick shall be assumed
  • Any call or lead out of turn or insufficient bid may be accepted by the next opponent
  • When a player takes the wrong call out of the bidding box by accident s/he may immediately change it
  • If declarer claims the remaining tricks they must show how they intended to win them

Above all, enjoy the game:-)

Internal Website Links

Ads by Google