Ten Duplicate Bridge Tips Every I/N (0–199) Needs to Know (Part 1 of 2)
Rod.Bias@Cutlip.Org
❶ Socialize before and after deals. Be “all business” when cards are in your hand. Do not engage in
extraneous conversation or talk at the table once you have removed your cards from the boards. Even in an informal game, your vocabulary for the auction is limited to 15 words: pass, the numbers one through seven, double, redouble, spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs and notrump. “I bid one club,” contains two too many words. Slow passes, fast doubles, loud overcalls, etc., are unacceptable behavior.
❷ If you are the dummy, you have limited rights. For the dummy to go around the table and look at
declarer’s hand (or exchange hands with partner) is unacceptable. The dummy is an active participant at the table charged with turning cards for partner and preventing partner from revoking or leading from the wrong hand.
❸ Do not write down the contract in your convention card until after three consecutive passes.
Writing it down prematurely is practically the same as to telling your partners you want them to pass.
❹ Make your opening lead face down on the table. At the same time you should say, “Questions,
partner?” When you are not the opening leader, your partner and / or the opponents will tell you.
❺ Be a good partner. Regard your partner with respect. Never “teach” in front of others. Remind
yourself that for the duration of the session, your partner is your best friend and part of your
responsibility is to make your only teammate’s life and decisions as easy as possible. Always root for your partner to do the right thing. If “pard” misplays or misguesses, sympathize and console — pard feels worse than you do. You not only make the situation more pleasant, you make it more rewarding in personal and practical ways: Your partner will play better; you will play better; your results will be better.
Based on Welcome to the North American Bridge Championships by the ACBL