Talking Bridge ...
Is it legal?
You are playing in a normal club session at OB level 3 (see note below). The following three similar sounding sequences occur. In each case you are invited to decide “Is it legal?” before using the link to read our answer.
1. Your left hand opponent opens 1N and your partner bids 2D (ASTRO, showing 5-4 in spades and another suit). Over your response, partner bids 3D. You have agreed that this now shows only diamonds and is to play, so you pass.
2. You open 1N and partner bids 2C (Stayman). Over your response, partner bids 3C. You have agreed that this now shows only clubs and is to play, so you pass.
3. You open 1N and partner bids 2D . This
requires you to bid 2H and over this partner bids 3D. You have
agreed that now this shows only diamonds and is to play, so you
pass.
These are the principal documents controlling duplicate bridge in this country. “The Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge 1997” define correct procedure and provide remedies for irregularities. The ”Orange Book 1998” issued by the EBU is specific to this country and regulates such matters as convention cards, alerting procedures and permitted conventions.
What conventions you are allowed to play depends on the level of competition being played. The Orange Book defines five levels in order of complexity from Level 1 (simple systems) to Level 5 (experimental). Clubs may determine their own level for tournaments under their control, but most bridge both at club and higher levels is played at OB level 3.
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