The Alert Card
5th December 2005
This article describes what purpose of the Alert Card and the rules around it. The facts are based on the 1997 Laws of Contract Bridge and the 2005 EBU Orange Book.
What is the Alert Card?
This is a card that can be found in the front of the bidding box. It is shown to your opponents whenever your partner makes an alertable call.
When do I use the alert card?
You use the alert card as soon as your partner makes an alertable call, preferable before the next player makes a call.
What happens if I don’t use the alert card?
If you do not use the alert card then your opponents will assume that your partner’s bid has a standard meaning. If they are misinformed and get a poor score because of this then the TD will give a score adjustment.
What happens if my opponents don’t see my alert card?
You are responsible for making sure that both of your opponents see the alert card. Some players wave it in front of each opponent; others place the alert card in the middle of table. If they don’t see it then it is you fault and you pay the consequences as if you failed to alert.
When should I put the alert card away?
You normally put the alert card away once both opponents have seen it, although some players leave it on the table until after the next player has called.
What happens if I alert a call when it is not alertable?
If you alert something what is not alertable then your opponents will assume it has a non-standard meaning. They won’t know what the meaning is unless they ask or look at your convention card. In practice, there is no problem.
What do I do if I think the bid is alertable but I can’t remember what it is?
Alert anyway and if asked, then tell them you’ve forgotten. If your opponents need to know the meaning then they can either consult your convention card or call for the TD. If the TD is called, then you can be sent away from the table whilst your partner gives the correct explanation.
Do I ever alert any of my calls?
No. Only alert your partner’s calls.
Do I alert during the play?
No. Alerts are only for the auction.