Explanation of an Alert

EXPLANATION OF AN ALERT

February 2008

The Laws indicate that a player must either ask to have all previous calls restated or say nothing about them when it is his turn to call. They also state ‘During the auction and play any player except dummy may refer to his opponents’ convention card at his turn to call or play’. If there is no convention card, as is normal in our club, players sometimes specifically ask for an explanation of an alert and no other call. Although it is understandable it contravenes the Laws and so should not be done. Everyone should also be aware that specifically asking about an alert and then not bidding puts partner in an invidious position because although he can justifiably assume that your hand has reasonable strength he must make no use of that information. His invidious position is even greater if your hand does not have reasonable strength. Consequently, if you have no intention of bidding, say nothing during the auction.