The more diligent amongst you will have read your EBU magazine and noticed that on Pages 34 and 35 the rules for announcing and alerting bids have changed.  They can also be read, in tabular form, by clicking on the EBU Information tab on the left hand side of the screen and then Announcing Rules beneath that.

Most of the changes do not affect the way that bridge is played at Barlaston but may be relevant if you play at other clubs where different systems (e.g. Precision or 2 over 1) may be played.

One change is that you no longer need to announce the strength of your 2NT opening bid and, as a local rule at the club, if you play a weak (12 - 14 point) no trump, there is no need to announce that.

One other change is in the sequence 1N 2S.  If this is a point count bid or a transfer to an unspecified minor, you alert it, but if it is a transfer to clubs, you say 'clubs' similar to when you should announce 'hearts' after a 2D transfer bid..  Similar rules apply to 1NT 2NT depending whether it is a point count bid or a transfer specifically to diamonds.

Any queries you may have, ask the Director of the session, or email me by clicking here.