Bridge Ethics & Etiquette

This section is for beginners, or people who may be skilled at rubber bridge but have not become acquainted yet with club/duplicate play. If someone had told me all the things I've written here when I first started playing bridge, it would have saved me a lot of trouble.

• Table Manners
• Tempo
• Psych Bidding
• Falsecards
• Cheating
• Calling the Director
• Skip Bids
• Mannerisms by J.B. Elwell (1906)
• Bridge Axioms by J.B. Elwell (1907)
• The Zero Tolerance Policy in the ACBL

Etiquette can vary slightly between social and competitive play, and regional differences may exist. However, being aware of and following etiquette rules helps create a more enjoyable and respectful bridge-playing environment for everyone.

1. Respect the Other Players:
   • Treat your partner and opponents with courtesy and respect. Avoid making negative comments or gestures when they make mistakes.
   • Never accuse anyone of cheating at the table. Any suspicions you might have in a tournament should be brought to the attention of a director or official.
2. Cell Phones and Electronic Devices:

   Silence cell phones and other electronic devices during play to minimize distractions.

3. Silence During Bidding:
   • Avoid unnecessary conversation and distractions while bidding is taking place. It's important for players to focus on the bidding process.
4. Psyching:
   • Don't psych more than once in a blue moon, and then only when partner isn't expecting it.
5. Announcing and Alerting:
   • Follow the rules regarding announcing bids and alerting your partner to certain bids as per the conventions being used. Be clear in your explanations.
6. Reviewing the Auction:
   • Once the auction is complete, it's generally accepted to review the bidding sequence to ensure accuracy before play begins.
7. No Table Talk:
   • Players should refrain from discussing their hands or the play of the hand until the play of the hand is concluded. This includes facial expressions and gestures.
8. Pace of Play:
   • Play at a reasonable pace. Delays can be frustrating for other players. If you are unsure of your play, it's polite to announce that you are thinking.
   • Never vary the tempo of your bids or plays in an attempt to try deceiving the opponents.
   • After a jump bid by your RHO, wait at least a few seconds before making a call.
9. Falsecarding:
• Falsecard as much as you want, but never cross the line between what methods of carding you've agreed to use with your partner, and what methods of carding you're regularly using at the table.
10. Scorekeeping:
    • Keep accurate score and ensure that the final result is agreed upon by all players before the next hand begins.