Untitled

Years ago the ACBL introduced the skip bid warning in an attempt to reduce or avoid unauthorized information or UI. A player planning to open at the two level or higher would announce “I am about to make a skip bid, please wait ten seconds.” The thought was with a warning, the called for hesitation would give players a chance to consider options without providing partners with UI. With the advent of bidding boxes, the Stop Card appeared. Starting January 1, 2018, the Stop Card will no longer be used in ACBL tournaments, and he ACBL is urging clubs to discontinue the Stop Card as well.

The need for players to pause to consider options after an unusual action by right hand opponent remains. Should your right hand opponent take an action that could give you a problem, you should wait for approximately ten seconds and you should appear to be studying your hand. Counting one thousand one, one thousand two, etc. even quietly is not going to work! The point is to appear to be considering you options before making you call. Take time after a skip bid to protect partner and avoid giving the opponents information.