Newent Bridge Club

North is responsible for:

    1)  writing names, computer numbers and pair numbers on the Traveller: East must

         check;

    2)  scoring; East must check;

    3)  checking that the correct opponents have arrived; East also checks;

    4)  ensuring that right boards are being played; East also checks;

    5)  keeping the played board in the centre of the table; and

    6)  moving the boards at the end of the round.

East is responsible for:

    1)  checking that names, pair numbers and computer numbers are correctly

         recorded on the Traveller before the first round starts;

    2)  ensuring that they are at the correct table for subsequent rounds and that they

         are playing the correct boards;

    3)  checking that North's entry on the Traveller is correct. The most likely mistake

         will be the score in the wrong column or the pair numbers put in the wrong

         order, particularly after an arrow switch;

    4)  checking to which table they should move next. (It is advisable for the table card

         to be placed near East). It is worth taking note at the beginning of the session

         which pair you are following and then keeping track of where they have gone;

         and

    5)  all players must count their cards, face down, before looking at the hand.

THE BIDDING

Make your bid in silence. Any comments like "not sure if I'm doing the right thing here" are completely out of order. Don't allow your hand to hover the bidding box while you are making your decision; it is unsettling for the other players. Decide on your bid and then remove and place the bid on the table. All conventional and artificial bids must be alerted.

HANDLING CARDS

You may only handle your own cards. Never touch anyone else's and in particular, do not touch the Dummy hand. Declarer may arrange Dummy's cards if necessary but should say 'arranging' whilst doing so; otherwise a card which is touched by Declarer becomes a 'card played'.

THE OPENING LEAD

This must be made face down with the words 'any questions partner?' There are two very good reasons for this practice:

    1)  it will reduce the problem of the opening lead coming from the wrong hand, with

         all the problems that this entails - calling the TD and having to understand the

         complicated ruling, involving 5 options for delcarer; and