etiquette involved playing duplicate bridge
Although 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. We have to get the play underway on time so we can vacate the premises on time.
- Please make sure you know your pair number and table number
- 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 reached 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 traveller although this can be delegated to South.
- The completed traveller should be shown to one or both of the opposing pair before being placed back in the board
- 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:-)