Chart Usage Tournaments Pair Events and non-Bracketed Team Events

• Basic Chart: Applies in any event where the upper limit per player is 750 or less.
• Basic+ Chart: Applies in any event where the upper limit per player is 3000.
• Open Chart:
• At a Sectional: applies in any event with no masterpoint limit, and any event with a masterpoint limit above 3000;
• At a Regional (including regional events at an NABC):
• applies in any 1-session event with no masterpoint limit (includes Side Series);
• applies in any restricted event with a masterpoint limit above 3000;
• applies in any 2-session event with no masterpoint limit if there is no 2-session event of the same type with a masterpoint limit on the same day
• Nationally Rated Events: applies in any NABC event with an upper masterpoint limit between 3001 and 6000.
• Open+ Chart:
• At a Regional (including regional events at an NABC):
• applies in any 3+-session event with no masterpoint limit;
• applies in any 2-session event with no masterpoint limit as long as there is a 2-session event of the same type with a masterpoint limit on the same day
• Nationally Rated Events: applies in any NABC event with no masterpoint limit, and any NABC event with an upper masterpoint limit above 6000.
Bracketed Events

A single bracket event always uses the Open Chart.

For bracketed events with more than one bracket, the Open Chart is used in most brackets with these exceptions:

• Basic Chart: Any bracket where the highest team averages less than 750 masterpoints per player;
• Basic+ Chart: Any bracket where the highest team averages 751 to 1500 masterpoints per player;
• Open+ Chart: Top bracket (regardless of team masterpoint holdings), and any other bracket where the lowest team averages more than 3000 masterpoints per player.

In all types of events, when the directors allow a team to play in a higher bracket than its masterpoint holding would qualify the team for, that team’s masterpoint total is ignored in determining which Chart applies.

Club Games

The Open Chart is recommended for most open club games. Particularly advanced clubs may prefer to use the Open+ Chart, while clubs that mainly cater to newer players may prefer the Basic+ Chart. The Basic and Basic+ Charts are recommended for masterpoint restricted games at clubs.

Pre-alerts and Written Defenses

Two classes of methods are particularly difficult to defend against, and these methods are allowed only in events governed by the Open+ Chart, and then only in segments of six boards or longer. These methods, based on #3 of the Opening Bids section of the Open Chart and on #3 or #7 of the Opening Bids section of the Open+ Chart, require both a pre-alert and a written defense, including a separate copy of that defense for each opponent.

Official ACBL defenses must be provided when possible. In the event that a convention does not yet have an official ACBL defense, the pair must, before using it in an ACBL sanctioned game:

• Submit a full description of the convention and a proposed defense to the ACBL committee for approval. The defense must be provisionally approved. A method is “provisionally approved” if an acknowledgement receipt was sent by the ACBL upon submission and either: (a) the committee sends an email granting provisional approval; or (b) it was submitted at least 30 days before the ACBL sanctioned event in which it is used and the committee has not rejected it; and
• Provide the submitted defense to any opponents.

It is recommended that any new convention and written defense be posted online for public comment.

Note: For any method for which a written defense is required, the opposing pair may use their own defense rather than the one provided. The defending pair may refer to a pre-written copy of their own defense.

Definitions

A group of four numbers separated by equal signs (=) denotes an exact suit distribution. For example: 5=4=3=1 denotes five spades, four hearts, three diamonds, and one club. A group of four numbers separated by hyphens (-) denotes any of the exact distributions matching that general pattern. For example: 4-3-3-3 represents: 4=3=3=3 or 3=4=3=3 or 3=3=4=3 or 3=3=3=4.

Definitions #1-4 below have specific meanings that may vary from commonly understood meanings or may not have previously been defined. Definitions #5 and higher likely match common understandings of the term, but are still defined here for specificity and clarity. Definitions #5 and higher appear alphabetically.

1. Hand strength
1. “Weak”: A hand that contains less than Near Average Strength.
2. “Near Average Strength”: A hand that has at least 8 HCP or meets the “Rule of 17”.
3. “Average Strength”: A hand that has at least 10 HCP or meets the “Rule of 19”.
4. “Strong”: A hand that contains:
1. at least 15 HCP; or
2. at least 14 HCP and meets the “Rule of 24”.
3. at least 5 Control Points and is within one trick of game assuming suits break evenly among the other hands.
2. “Very Strong”: A hand that contains:
1. at least 20 HCP; or
2. at least 14 HCP and is within one trick of game assuming suits break evenly among the other hands.
3. at least 5 Control Points and is within one trick of game assuming suits break evenly among the other hands.
3. ***"Natural":
1. Any opening bid, response, or overcall in a suit at the one-level showing 4 or more cards in the suit bid, except as provided in 2(f) and 2(g).
2. Any opening bid at the two-level or higher showing 5 or more cards in the suit bid.
3. Any response or rebid in a minor at the two-level or higher showing 3 or more cards in the suit bid
4. Any response or rebid in a major at the two-level or higher showing 4 or more cards in the suit bid.
5. Any suit overcall at any level showing 4 or more cards in the suit bid.
6. A 1C opening bid showing 3 or more clubs. This opening may also include exactly 4=4=3=2 shape.
7. A 1D opening bid, overcall, or response showing 3 or more diamonds.
8. A NT opening bid or overcall that contains no voids, no more than one singleton, which must be an ace, king, or queen, and that does not contain 10 or more cards in two suits combined.
9. A call is still Natural if it also shows distribution in another suit.
10. A pass, double, or redouble is Natural if it suggests the current contract as the final contract.
11. After the opening bid any bid is Natural if it suggests the contract bid as the final contract.
4. ***"Quasi-Natural":
1. A minor suit bid that is either Natural or shows a pattern that meets the definition of a Natural NT opening.
2. Any opening bid at the two-level or higher showing 4 or more cards in the suit bid.
5. *** “Purely Destructive Initial Action”: An opening bid or an overcall that satisfies none of the following:
1. 4+ cards in a known suit.
2. 5+ cards in one of two possible suits.
3. 5+-4+ distribution in any two suits.
4. An either/or combination of any two of a, b, or c (which may be the same option twice).
5. A Three-suited hand.
6. At least Average strength.
7. Any Natural or Quasi-Natural opening bid.
6. “Advancer”: Overcaller’s partner.
7. “Agreement”: Partnership understandings of methods adopted by the partnership that are reached explicitly by discussion or implicitly through the mutual experience or awareness of the players. This applies to all calls, allowed and disallowed.
8. “Artificial”: Any call that is not Natural or Quasi-Natural.
9. “Balancing Seat”: After the bidding has been opened, a player who would end the auction if that player passed.
10. “Bid”: A call that names a level and a denomination (suit or notrump).
11. “Call”: Any bid, pass, double, or redouble.
12. “Control Bid”: A bid showing first or second round control of a suit.
13. “Control Points”: An alternate evaluation method where an Ace=2 and a King=1
14. “Cuebid”: A bid of a suit that an opponent has bid Naturally or Quasi-Naturally or a suit in which an opponent has shown 4 or more cards.
15. “Direct Overcall”: An immediate overcall by the left hand opponent of Opener.
16. *** “Encrypted Signal”: An encrypted signal is one where the ordering of the cards for the signal is dependent on information known only to the defenders. It is not an encrypted signal to have the type of signal (attitude, count, suit preference) dependent on information known only to the defenders.
17. “Forcing”: A call that, by partnership Agreement, may not be passed if the intervening opponent passes.
18. “High Card Points (HCP)”: The total number of points in a hand based on honors, counting 4 for an Ace, 3 for a King, 2 for a Queen, and 1 for a Jack.
19. “Invitational”: A hand sufficiently strong to indicate that partner should bid game unless partner has a minimum.
20. “Length”: Unless otherwise specified, “showing Length in a suit” or “showing a suit” means at least four cards in the suit.
21. “Opener”: The first player to make a bid in the auction.
22. “Overcall”: The first bid made by the pair that does not consist of Opener and Responder.
23. “Preempt”: A jump bid (by either pair) that does not promise at least Average strength.
24. *** “Psych”: A call that intentionally and grossly misstates the strength and/or suit length of one’s hand.
25. “Psychic Control”: Any Bid that conveys that a prior Bid was a Psych.
26. *** “Range”: One more than the difference between the highest number of HCP a bid can be and the lowest.
27. “Responder”: Opener’s partner.
28. *** “Rule of N”: A method of determining hand strength computed by adding the High-Card Points of the hand to the number of cards in the two longest suits. To meet the “Rule of N”, this total must be at least N. *
29. “Takeout”: A call that shows support for two or three suits and/or a strong hand.
30. “Three-Suited”: A hand with 4-4-4-1, 5-4-3-1, or 5-4-4-0 shape.

Basic Chart

Bidding Agreements are disallowed unless they are specifically allowed. If an Agreement would be disallowed unless it satisfies a specific High-Card Point or shape requirement, a player may not use judgment to include hands with fewer High Card Points or a different shape. Note that almost all Agreements are allowed beginning with Responder’s initial action.

Allowed Bidding Agreements Opening Bids

1. Any Natural opening bid in a suit, as long as it shows at least Average Strength.
2. A 1♣ or 1♦ opening bid that is either Natural or Quasi-Natural, as long as it shows at least Average Strength.
3. An Artificial 1♣ opening bid that is Strong and Forcing.
4. A Natural NT opening bid, as long as it shows at least 10 HCP and the Range is not greater than 5 HCP.
5. An Artificial 2♣ or 2♦ opening bid that is Very Strong.
6. A 2♦ opening showing 0-1 diamonds along with 3+ cards in all other suits, as long as it shows at least Average Strength.
7. A 2♦ opening showing a 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0 pattern, as long as it shows at least Average Strength. The short suit may be known or unknown.
8. *** A 2-level opening bid showing Average Strength with at least 5-4 shape with both suits known.
9. Any Weak Natural opening bid in a suit at the 2-level showing at least 4 HCP and has a Range not greater than 7 HCP.
10. Any Weak Natural opening at the 3-level or higher showing 6 or more cards in the suit.
11. A 3NT opening bid that shows a known or unknown long minor suit (the suit may be solidor broken).
12. An Artificial 4♣ opening showing hearts, and an Artificial 4♦ opening showing spades.
13. Any opening bid of 4NT or higher.

Responses and Rebids

1. Any Natural response.
2. Any game forcing response at the 2 level or higher.
3. An Artificial 1♦ response to any 1♣ opening bid.
4. Any Artificial negative response to a Strong or Very Strong opening bid.
5. A Forcing 1NT response to an opening bid of 1H or 1S. 1NT cannot guarantee an Invitational or stronger hand.
6. Any response to a NT opening bid.
7. An Artificial jump response showing a raise (of any strength) of Opener’s Natural opening bid.
8. An Artificial response of 2♣ and/or 2♦ by a passed hand showing a raise of Opener’s Natural opening bid.
9. Any response to a 2-level or higher opening bid.
10. All calls starting with Opener’s second bid (this applies to both pairs).

Overcalls and Competitive Bids

1. All Natural overcalls.
2. All doubles and redoubles, and all calls by both sides after a double or redouble.
3. All Artificial cuebids (by either pair), except a cuebid that could be Weak must show at least one known suit. All responses to a cuebid are allowed.
4. A 2NT overcall showing at least 5-4 distribution in the minors or in the two lowest unbid suits.
5. After partner’s Natural 1NT overcall, any Artificial advance.
6. After an opponent’s Natural NT opening bid or overcall:
1. An Artificial 2C bid having any meaning
2. An Artificial bid showing two known suits with 4-4 length or better
3. An Artificial bid showing a known 5+ card suit
4. A Natural bid showing 4+ cards in the suit bid and another known or unknown suit of 4+ cards.
7. In response to partner’s overcall showing an unknown suit or suits, any call asking for partner's longest or cheapest unknown suit (e.g., “pass or correct” calls).
8. An Artificial NT overcall at any level for 2-suited or 3-suited takeout. A 1NT bid in this category must show at least Near-Average Strength.
9. After an opponent’s Artificial opening bid, any Artificial defense that does not include a Purely Destructive overcall.

Lead and Carding Agreements

Encrypted Signals are never allowed when leading, following suit or discarding. Otherwise:

1. Opening lead Any method may be used on opening lead. (Leading low from doubletons must be pre-alerted.)
2. First discard: Any method may be used on the first discard.

• *** Following Suit & Discarding: Except for the first discard, only high-to-low or low-to-high ordering strategies are allowed when following suit or discarding.
• Note: Distinct meanings for middle cards (vs. highest and lowest) are permissible.
• Note: Defining meanings for specific spots (2,4,6…), as opposed to relative high/low agreements, are permissible only on the first discard.

In addition, a pair may be prohibited from playing any carding method when they are deemed to be playing it in a manner that does not maintain proper tempo. A decision that prohibits a pair from playing a particular carding method may be appealed to the tournament committee.

Basic+ Chart

Bidding Agreements are disallowed unless they are specifically allowed. If an Agreement would be disallowed unless it satisfies a specific High-Card Point or shape requirement, a player may not use judgment to include hands with fewer High Card Points or a different shape. Note that almost all Agreements are allowed beginning with Responder’s initial action.

Allowed Bidding Agreements Opening Bids

1. Any opening bid in a suit which is Natural, as long as it shows at least Near-Average Strength.
2. A 1♣ or 1♦ opening bid that is either Natural or Quasi-Natural, as long as it shows at least Average Strength.
3. An Artificial 1♣ opening bid that is Strong and Forcing.
4. A Natural NT opening bid, as long as it shows at least 10 HCP and the Range is not greater than 5 HCP.
5. Any 1NT opening bid that is Strong and Forcing.
6. A 2-level opening bid showing a Three-Suited hand and at least Average Strength.
7. Any 2-level or higher opening bid that is Very Strong.
8. Any 2-level opening bid showing at least Average Strength with at least 5-4 shape and both suits known.
9. Any Weak Natural opening bid in a suit at the 2-level showing at least 3 HCP and has a Range not greater than 8 HCP.
10. A NT opening bid at the 2-level or higher showing at least 5-4 distribution in the minors.
11. Any Weak Natural opening at the 3-level or higher.
12. A 3NT opening bid showing a known or unknown solid suit.
13. A 3NT opening bid showing a known or unknown long minor suit.
14. A 4-level opening bid showing at least 6 cards in a different known suit.
15. Any opening bid of 4NT or higher.

Responses and Rebids

1. Any Natural response.
2. Any game forcing response.
3. An Artificial 1♦ response to any 1♣ opening bid.
4. Any Artificial response to a Strong or Very Strong opening bid.
5. Any 1NT response to an opening bid of 1♥ or 1♠.
6. Any response to a NT opening bid.
7. An Artificial jump response showing a raise (of any strength) of Opener’s Natural opening bid.
8. An Artificial jump response that shows at least 5 cards in a known suit and at least 4 cards in another known suit.
9. An Artificial response of 2♣ and/or 2♦ by a passed hand that shows a raise of Opener’s Natural opening bid.
10. Any response to a 2-level or higher opening bid.
11. Any response after an opposing double.

Overcalls and Competitive Bids

1. All Natural overcalls.
2. All doubles and redoubles, and all calls by both sides after a double or redouble.
3. All calls in Balancing Seat.
4. All Artificial cuebids (by either pair), except a cuebid that could be Weak must show at least one known suit. All responses to a cuebid are allowed.
5. A suit overcall showing at least 5-4 distribution in two known suits. If the overcall is not a jump, then it must show at least Average Strength.
6. An Artificial NT overcall at any level for 2-suited takeout. A 1NT bid in this category must show at least Near-Average Strength. Below the 4-level at least one suit must be known.
7. An artificial NT overcall at any level for 3-suited takeout. A 1NT bid in this category must show at least Near-Average Strength.
8. After partner’s Natural 1NT overcall, any Artificial advance.
9. After an opponent’s Natural NT opening bid or overcall:
1. An Artificial 2♣ bid having any meaning
2. An Artificial 2♦ bid showing a one-suited hand in hearts or spades
3. Any other call showing a known suit of at least 4 cards
10. In response to partner’s overcall showing an unknown suit or suits, any call asking for partner's longest or cheapest suit (e.g., “pass or correct” calls).
11. After an Artificial opening bid, any Artificial defense that does not include a Purely Destructive overcall.
12. After an opening bid of 2C or higher, any Artificial defense that does not include a Purely Destructive overcall.
13. After an opening bid and an overcall or double, any call (by either side) showing Length in a known suit.
14. After an opening bid and an overcall, a bid of spades to show any of:
1. A desire to play Notrump
2. One minor
3. Both minors
4. Any combination of the above

Beginning with the Opening Bidder’s second call, all calls are allowed by both pairs.

Lead and Carding Agreements

Same as Basic Chart

Open Chart

Bidding Agreements are allowed unless they are specifically disallowed. If an Agreement would be disallowed unless it satisfies a specific High-Card Point or shape requirement, a player may not use judgment to include hands with fewer High-Card Points or a different shape. Note that almost all Agreements are allowed beginning with Responder’s initial action.

Disallowed Bidding Agreements Passes Before an Opening

1. *** An opening pass that is Forcing.
2. *** An opening pass in first or second seat that could be a stronger hand than an opening 1-level bid with the same shape; i.e., if two hands are exactly the same except that an honor is replaced with a low card in the same suit, you cannot open the hand with the low card and pass the hand with an honor.

Opening Bids Disallowed Opening Bids

1. *** A Natural or Quasi-Natural 1-level opening bid in any seat that could contain less than Near-Average Strength.
2. An Artificial 1-level opening bid in any seat that could contain less than Average Strength.
3. *** In segments of fewer than 6 boards, an Artificial 1-level opening bid showing length only in a known suit other than the one opened, unless that bid is also Strong and Forcing.
4. *** A Natural 1NT opening bid that could contain fewer than 10 HCP.
5. *** A Natural 1NT opening bid that has a Range greater than 5 HCP.
6. A non-Forcing 1NT opening that does not meet the definition of Natural.
7. An Artificial opening Preempt below 3NT; except, 2NT may be used to show two known suits.
8. An Artificial opening bid showing two suits, neither of which is known.
9. *** An Artificial Three-Suited opening bid (with or without known shortness) that does not show at least Average Strength.
10. *** A 2-level or higher opening bid that could contain less than Average Strength showing a known suit and an unknown suit, where the unknown suit could be the suit opened.
11. *** A non-Forcing 2-level opening bid in first or second seat that has a Range of greater than 9 HCP and could show less than Average Strength.
12. A Purely Destructive opening bid.
13. Psyching an Artificial opening bid.

Rule Exceptions

The following are exceptions to the rules listed under “Disallowed Opening Bids”:

1. Any opening bid that promises a Very Strong hand is allowed.
2. *** Any bid that requires Average Strength to be legal may be made with Near Average Strength in 3rd and 4th seats. Bids with High-Card Point minimums do not change.

Overcalls

1. After a Natural suit opening bid, a new suit Direct Overcall below 2NT that does not show at least one known suit unless that bid is an offer to play in Notrump or takeout of the opening bid.
2. After a Natural suit opening bid an Artificial direct 1NT overcall that does not show one of the following:
1. A Strong hand; or
2. At least three cards in all of the unbid suits; or
3. At least 4-4 shape in two known suits; or
4. At least 5-4 shape in two suits, at least one of which is known.
3. A Purely Destructive overcall.
4. Psyching an Artificial overcall.

Responses and Rebids

1. Psyching an Artificial response below 2NT to an opening bid or an overcall.
2. Psychic Controls.

Lead and Carding Agreements

Same as Basic Chart

Open+ Chart

Bidding Agreements are allowed unless they are specifically disallowed. If an Agreement would be disallowed unless it satisfies a specific High-Card Point or shape requirement, a player may not use judgment to include hands with fewer High-Card Points or a different shape. Note that almost all Agreements are allowed beginning with Responder’s initial action.

Disallowed Bidding Agreements Passes Before an Opening

1. *** An opening pass that is Forcing.
2. *** An opening pass in first or second seat that could be a stronger hand than an opening 1-level bid with the same shape; i.e., if two hands are exactly the same except that an honor is replaced with a low card in the same suit, you cannot open the hand with the low card and pass the hand with an honor.

Opening Bids Disallowed Opening Bids

1. *** A Natural or Quasi-Natural 1-level opening bid in first or second seat that could contain less than Near-Average Strength.
2. An Artificial 1-level opening bid in any seat that could contain less than Average Strength.
3. *** In segments of fewer than 6 boards, an Artificial 1-level opening bid showing Length only in a known suit other than the one opened, unless that bid is also Strong and Forcing.
4. *** A Natural 1NT opening bid that could contain fewer than 10 HCP.
5. *** A Natural 1NT opening bid that has a Range greater than 5 HCP.
6. *** In segments of fewer than 6 boards, a non-Forcing 1NT opening that does not meet the definition of Natural. In segments of 6 boards or more, a non-Forcing 1NT with a void or 10 cards in 2 suits.
7. In segments of fewer than 6 boards, an Artificial opening Preempt below 3NT that does not show at least one known suit.
8. *** An Artificial opening Preempt below 3NT that may have Length only in the suit opened.
9. *** An Artificial opening Preempt below 3NT showing Length in an unknown suit when there are more than two possibilities for which suit is held.
10. *** An Artificial opening bid showing two suits, neither of which is known.
11. *** An Artificial Three-Suited opening bid (with or without known shortness) that does not show at least Average Strength.
12. *** A 2-level or higher opening bid that could contain less than Average Strength showing a known suit and an unknown suit, where the unknown suit could be the suit opened.
13. *** A non-Forcing 2-level opening bid in first or second seat that has a Range greater than 9 HCP and could show less than Average Strength.
14. A Purely Destructive opening bid.
15. Psyching an Artificial opening bid.

Rule Exceptions

The following are exceptions to the rules listed under “Disallowed Opening Bids”:

1. Any opening bid which promises a Very Strong hand is allowed.
2. Any bid which requires Average Strength may be made with Near Average Strength in 3rd and 4th seats.
3. Any Artificial Preempt which would be otherwise allowed under the rules below may also contain Very Strong hands. The Very Strong hands may be any hand type, regardless of the stated restrictions to the Preempt.

Overcalls

1. *** After a Natural suit opening bid, a new suit Direct Overcall below 2NT that does not show at least one known suit unless that bid is an offer to play in Notrump or takeout of the opening bid.
2. After a Natural suit opening bid, an Artificial direct 1NT overcall that does not show one of the following:
1. A Strong hand; or
2. At least three cards in all of the unbid suits; or
3. At least 4-4 shape in two known suits; or
4. At least 5-4 shape in two suits, at least one of which is known.
3. A Purely Destructive overcall.
4. Psyching an Artificial overcall.

Responses and Rebids

1. Psyching an Artificial response below 2NT to an opening bid or an overcall.
2. Psychic Controls.

Lead and Carding Agreements

Same as Basic Chart

Examples Definitions

1. “Natural”: A 2♥ opening showing both hearts and a minor is still Natural as long as it shows a heart suit of 5 or more cards.
2. “Quasi-Natural”: Many, but not all “could be short” 1♣ or 1♦ catchall openings fall into this category. A “could be short” 1♣ or 1♦ that could contain a singleton below a queen in the opened minor is not Quasi-Natural.

3. “Purely Destructive Initial Action”: The intent here is to eliminate bids which have little or no redeeming constructive merit. Note that just because a call is not Purely Destructive does not mean that it is allowed; many calls are restricted that do not meet the definition of Purely Destructive.

   An overcall showing hearts or both spades and diamonds is not a Purely Destructive Initial Action, regardless of High Card Points, because it meets condition “d”, using condition “a” twice. (It contains 4+ hearts or it contains 4+ spades.) Similarly an overcall showing both red suits or both black suits is not a Purely Destructive Initial Action because it meets condition “d”. A “Cappelletti/Hamilton” 2♣ overcall showing a 1 suited hand is not a PDIA, as it meets condition “d” by choosing option “b” twice.

   An example of a PDIA overcall would be a 1S “fert” overcall, showing any 13 cards and Pass = ♠. An example of a PDIA opening bid would be 1♣ showing 0-7 HCP any shape.

4. “Encrypted Signal”: Encrypted signals are ones in which the method of signalling can be given to declarer but requires a “key” to unlock the meaning that is hidden from declarer but available to the defense.

   For example, it is an Encrypted Signal for the defender with the lowest remaining spot card in a suit to switch from standard to upside-down carding when declarer shows out of that suit. It is an Encrypted Signal if after an auction where declarer shows an exact number of cards in a suit, the defender with more cards in that suit plays standard while the defender with fewer cards plays upside-down.

   There are many common bridge situations which occur which are not considered Encrypted, even if the situation may not be immediately apparent to Declarer. For instance, it is not an Encrypted Signal when dummy has a long suit with no entry for the defender without the ace to give a count signal while the defender with the ace gives a different kind of signal. It is also not an Encrypted Signal to play a suit preference card when you believe your partner has led a singleton even though you normally play an attitude signal on the opening lead.

   Changes in methodology that based in some predetermined way are also not Encrypted. For example, playing standard carding at trick one and upside down carding after trick one would not be considered Encrypted.

5. “Psych”: Generally, 2 cards fewer or an Ace weaker than the minimum expected for a bid would meet the definition of a Psych, as would an Ace stronger than the maximum expected.
6. “Range”: “15-17” is a range of three points (15, 16, and 17). “10-12 or 15-17” is a range of 8 points. (The difference between the extremes of 10 to 17 inclusive.) If a pair plays one NT range when Vul. or in certain seats (e.g., 15-17) and another NT range when Not Vul. or in other seats (e.g., 10-12), those are two distinct ranges of 3 points. It is only when a bid could be either 10-12 or 15-17 at the time making the bid that the range would be considered to be 8 points.
7. “Rule of N”: A hand with 11 High-Card Points and 5-4-3-1 distribution would meet the “Rule of 20” (11 + 5 + 4 = 20), but not the “Rule of 21” or higher.

All Charts Leads and Carding

1. High/Low and Low/High encoding allows for cards which are neither. For example, it is permissible to have a distinct meaning for each of the plays from 3 small spots so long as the cards have the same meaning based on their relative rank, not absolute. That is, the 2 from 234 and the 7 from 789 should mean the same. Likewise the 3 and 8, or 4 and 9. It is not permitted to “pre-define” the spots as being high or low (such as 234 is always low, 567 always middle, etc.) except on the first-discard.

Basic Chart

1. (Opening 8) It is legal to open 2D showing 5 hearts, 4 spades, and 11-15 points. It would also be legal to open 2D showing 11-15 points with 5/4 either way in the majors.

Open/Open+ Charts Passes Before Opening

1. (Restriction 1) An Agreement to open all hands in 3rd seat is not permitted, as it makes an opening pass Forcing.
2. (Restriction 2) An opening pass cannot have a split Range, such as 0-7 or 13-15 balanced.
3. (Restriction 2) You can pass hands with certain shapes even if you open other shapes with fewer high card points. For example, if you played an opening 2♦ showing any 4-4-4-1 with 15+ HCP, you could agree to pass all weaker 4-4-4-1 hands, even if your other 1-level openings could be much weaker than 15 HCPs, provided they could not be 4-4-4-1.

Openings

1. (Restriction 1) (Quasi-)Natural opening bids at the 1 level must, by Agreement, have at least 8 HCP or meet the Rule of 17. Artificial opening bids at the 1 level must, by Agreement, have at least 10 HCP or meet the Rule of 19.
2. (Restriction 3) Transfer openings, such as those found in the “Little Major” or “Moscito” systems, are not permitted in segments of fewer than six boards. Transfer openings at the 1 level are Artificial and therefore must show at least Average strength.
3. (Restriction 4) Hands with 9 or fewer HCPs cannot be upgraded into any NT range. This does not apply to a psych. To be considered a psych, the hand must contain at least 4 HCP less the minimum.
4. (Restriction 5) An Agreement to open 1NT showing 11-15 is permitted, but actually showing 10-15 is not. If your agreed NT range is 11-15, you cannot upgrade 10 HCP hands or downgrade 16 HCP hands. This does not apply to a psych. To be considered a psych, the hand must contain at least 4 HCP less the minimum.
5. (Open+ 8-10) A Multi 2♦ (weak in either major) is permitted in segments longer than 5 boards. A 2♥ opening showing a weak 2-bid in either hearts or spades is not permitted in segments of any length.
6. (Open+ 8-10) Opening 3♠ to show a long solid minor is permitted, assuming it meets the Rule-of-17 because it is not considered a Preempt.
7. (Open+ 9) Opening 2NT to show a major-minor 2-suited hand is not permitted.
8. (Open 9/Open+ 11) Mini-Roman type openings must show at least 10 HCP or meet the Rule of 19. These openings require a minimum of 11 HCP if 4-4-4-1, and 10 HCP if 5-4-3-1 or 5-4-4-0.
9. (Open 10/Open+ 12) A 2♥ opening bid showing spades and another suit that might have less than Average Strength is not permitted. A 2♥ opening bid showing spades and a minor is permitted (since it does not contain hearts, the suit opened).
10. (Open 11/Open+ 13) In first and second seat, you may not agree to open a Natural 2-bid with a Range of 10 HCP or more (unless the hand is always at least Average Strength).
11. (Rule Exception 2) It is legal to open a Quasi-natural 1♦ bid with xxxx KQxx Kx xxx in 3rd or fourth seat. It is not legal to open a natural 1NT with KQ109 KJ109 xxx xx in any seat.

Overcalls

1. (Restriction 1) Cuebids are not considered to be new suits. For example if a 1♥ opening showed both hearts and spades, then a 1♠ overcall could have any meaning.

Sanction Applications

• District GNT Sanction Application
• District NAP Sanction Application
• Unit Championship Sanction Application
• Unit Game Sanction Lookup
• Unit Charity Sanction Application
• Unit NAP Sanction Application
• Unit GNT Sanction Application

Handbooks for Units

• Unit Presidents Handbook
• Unit Intermediate/Newcomer Coordinator
• Unit Game Coordinator
• Unit Education Liaison
• Unit Bridge Mentoring Program

Building A Unit Board

Today’s world is one that requires adherence with laws pertaining to non-profit boards of directors. Are your board policies up to date? Take advantage of our Board of Directors Documents, including sample bylaws and minutes and the Board Meeting Rescue Kit.

• Sample District Bylaws
• Sample Unit Bylaws
• Sample Minutes
• Board Meeting Rescue Kit
• Board Member Agreement
• Board of Directors Manual
• Bylaws Questionnaire
• Elections Regulations
• IRS Information for Exempt Organizations

Marketing Solutions by Pianola Contacting your members to promote your unit and district events is easy with Marketing Solutions, powered by Pianola! It’s a quick way to send emails about tournaments, news and more. ACBL funded the development of Marketing Solutions and the first two years of its availability to unit and districts. Due to the tool’s success, it was decided to extend the contract and ACBL’s funding of the service for another year. On January 1, 2020, ownership of Marketing Solutions accounts will be transferred to units and districts. Each unit or district wishing to continue using the tool will need to contract directly with Pianola. You can sign up with the company easily and quickly now at pianola.net/acbl. Use of Marketing Solutions is not required. Tournament email notifications (e-blasts) Due to unit/district ownership of Marketing Solutions, ACBL will no longer send emails about tournaments on behalf of units, districts and tournament chairs as of January 1, 2020. If you would like to send an email promoting your tournament with Marketing Solutions, your unit/district may work directly with Pianola. It’s a fast, simple way to reach members in your area. You can learn more and sign up today at pianola.net/acbl. Ready to start reaching your members? With Marketing Solutions, you can quickly and easily pick out an email design, choose your target audience and send an email to members in your area. Learn more at pianola.net/acbl. Units may contact members in a 200-mile radius for sectional tournaments and members of their own unit for other messages. Districts may contact members in a 500-mile radius for regional tournaments and members of their own district for other messages. Radius is determined by the zip code of tournament’s location. Need Help? For technical support, please contact Mary Maier at Baron Barclay at 1-800-274-2221 or mary@baronbarclay.com.

Click on the logo above to login.

American Contract Bridge League

BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

Last Updated January 2017

The American Contract Bridge League (“ACBL”) and each of its individual members agree as follows:

1. Any dispute in any way related to membership in the ACBL, or any action for damages or injunctive relief against ACBL or any action to reverse, modify, amend, or delay enforcement of a disciplinary action or other decision of the ACBL, regardless of the facts or legal theories involved, shall be resolved by the ACBL member or former member with ACBL on an individual and confidential basis through the steps set forth in this arbitration agreement up to and including final binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) by a single arbitrator.
2. This arbitration agreement covers any and all disputes that an individual member may have with (a) the ACBL, (b) the ACBL’s current or former officers, directors, employees or agents in their capacity as such or otherwise, or (c) other ACBL members to the extent that dispute arises directly from ACBL membership or participation in any ACBL program or event. Likewise, the arbitration agreement covers any and all disputes that the ACBL may have with an individual member.
3. Each individual member agrees that a dispute covered by this arbitration agreement does not include any dispute or disagreement about the adoption, change, revision, interpretation or discontinuance of any ACBL policy, practice, rule or procedure absent some legally recognized right enjoyed by the individual member related to the matter in dispute. In other words, ACBL retains the right to adopt or change its policies and rules using the normal process for such changes, not subject to arbitration.
4. Each individual ACBL member hereby specifically waives the right to present disputes covered by this arbitration agreement in any court or before a jury and hereby recognizes and accepts arbitration as the exclusive forum for resolution of all disputes described in this arbitration agreement. Individual ACBL members further agree that if they file or anyone else files a claim on their behalf in any state or federal court, the ACBL shall have the right to seek to stay or dismiss such a lawsuit and to compel arbitration. The only exception is that either party may seek an injunction in court if interim and/or immediate relief is necessary to preserve the status quo and such injunctive relief is permissible under applicable state or federal law.
5. Each individual ACBL member hereby waives any right for any dispute to be heard, decided or arbitrated as a class, collective or representative type action and agrees that he/she will not, in arbitration or otherwise, pursue a representative action and agrees that the assertion of any class, collective or representative action will be subject to immediate dismissal by the court or the arbitrator.
6. Arbitration is a formal dispute resolution process where an arbitrator, like a judge, takes evidence at a hearing and then a final binding decision that may be enforced against either party.
7. Individual ACBL members may commence arbitration under this arbitration agreement by making written demand for arbitration directed to the ACBL at Legal Dept., American Contract Bridge League, 6575 Windchase Blvd., Horn Lake, MS 39637-1523 or by making a written request for arbitration of a dispute with ACBL directed to the AAA at American Arbitration Association, Case Filing Services, 1101 Laurel Oak Road, Suite 100, Voorhees, NJ 08043, tel. 877-495-4185 or through its website at www.adr.org.
8. A demand for arbitration must be made in writing addressed to the ACBL or to the AAA prior to the end of the statute of limitations period applicable to the claim being asserted by the individual member or the statute of limitations period applicable to the claim being asserted by the ACBL against the individual member. The applicable statute of limitations will be deemed tolled once the written demand is received by the ACBL or the AAA.
9. Each individual member shall have the right to be represented by an attorney of choice prior to the initiation of and throughout the arbitration process provided however, that the individual member will be responsible to pay the costs of his or her representation.
10. This arbitration agreement shall be interpreted and its validity and enforceability shall be determined strictly in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §1 et. seq.).
11. Absent agreement by the parties to a particular arbitrator or process, the arbitrator shall be selected jointly by the parties using the process in effect at that time by the AAA. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the AAA in effect at the time the arbitration proceeding is initiated. The AAA Rules are available at www.adr.org.
12. Unless otherwise agreed by the ACBL and the individual member or otherwise ordered by the arbitrator, the arbitration shall be conducted by the AAA at a location to be mutually selected by the parties in Memphis, TN or DeSoto County, MS. If the parties cannot select a mutually agreeable site for the arbitration hearing, the AAA shall resolve that issue by selecting a location for the arbitration hearing.
13. The arbitrator shall:
    1. have the exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, construction, applicability, unconscionability, arbitrability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of the arbitration agreement is void or voidable; however, nothing herein shall be interpreted to permit an arbitrator to hear, consider or arbitrate any claim on a class, collective or representative basis;
    2. have the authority to adjust the venue for the hearing in the interest of fairness and to meet the reasonable needs of the parties and witnesses;
    3. have the power to award to the individual member or the ACBL any remedy to which that party could be entitled under the law applicable to the claims;
    4. have the authority to manage and rule on discovery between the parties applying the AAA rules and principles that would apply to a dispute between the parties in court;
    5. have the authority to require any prevailing party to pay all costs associated with the arbitration if the shift of such costs are in the interest of fairness;
    6. have the authority to award attorneys’ fees to any prevailing party based on applicable legal principles; and
    7. render an award by written opinion no later than 30 days from the date of the conclusion of the arbitration hearing or the last due date for receipt of any requested post-hearing briefs, unless the parties agree otherwise. The opinion shall be in writing and set forth the factual and legal basis for the decision.
14. Each individual member agrees that the mutual obligation of the ACBL to arbitrate disputes combined with the privileges of ACBL membership represent good and sufficient consideration for this arbitration agreement and agrees not to challenge the sufficiency of such consideration at any time.
15. Absent an award of fees or costs by the arbitrator, the parties shall split the costs of the arbitration and each party shall pay their own attorneys’ fees and litigation costs.

ACBL Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2021

The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) is committed to respecting both your online and non-online privacy. Please read the following policy to understand how your personal information provided by you and collected by us will be treated. This policy may change from time to time so please check back periodically.

Privacy Policy   Terms of Use

• Club Director's Handbook
• Club Manager's Handbook

• Guide to Running Swiss Teams
• Stratifying Your Game
• Handicap Club Games Guide
• Recommended Movements
• Player Movements
• Small Duplicate Games
• Robot fill in for half tables
• Homestyle Bridge Program/Homestyle Score card