BRIDGE ETIQUETTE

(most abused in red)

• Check whether you need to sign in.

• Pay your fee if required prior to start of game.

• Turn off your mobile phone. (if absolutely necessary to have it on, put it on vibrate).

• It is necessary to play quite quickly. The aim is to be able to play at least. 21-24 boards in a session.

• Keep noise level down to a minimum

Each New Round

• Greet your new opponents as they arrive at your table.

• Explain your system clearly and simply if asked. Answer any questions clearly.

• Sort and count your cards quickly so that you can bid promptly when it is your turn.

• Do not sort through your cards again when it is your turn to bid.

• Do not ask what a bid means unless you are intending to bid. Ask any questions when the auction is over.

• Do not put your bidding cards away until the initial lead has been made.

• When you are making the initial lead, play your card before you write down the contract or enter the details in the Bridgemate. (3 people are waiting)

The Play

• As declarer, plan your campaign before you select a card from dummy.

• As dummy, do not play the first card (even if it is a singleton) until declarer has worked out his plan and called for it.

• As declarer, always call for the card you wish dummy to play (unless dummy is away from the table or has a disability, making the play of cards difficult.)

• As declarer, when you lead to a trick, wait for LHO to play his card before calling a card from dummy.

• When making a claim, explain your intended line of play clearly.

• When the hand has been completed, North should fill in the score on the traveler or Bridgemate quickly. East confirms it is correct.

On Completion of the Play

• Do not hold long post-mortems unless you are well ahead of the other tables.

• Do not touch other player's cards. Ask them to show you. There will be less fouled boards.

• North handles new boards.

• Thank your opponents at the end of the round and move quickly to your new table.