Alerting is something that causes a lot of confusion for newer players (and even some experienced ones). Part of the problem is that the rules on what needs to be alerted can change. A good rule: if partner makes a bid that doesn't show that suit naturally, you should alert it. One of several exceptions to this is Stayman (not alertable).
In face-to-face bridge, we alert our partner's bids. Online, we "self-alert" and tell our opponents that we've made a bid that doesn't mean what it looks like.
There is an area where bids are "just bridge" and that can easily cause confusion, but it's safer to over-alert if you know you have an agreement than to under-alert and potentially damage the opponents. Click Here for Larry's new book on Conventions.
Which bids should be alerted? The N-S pair is playing Jacoby 2NT.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Pass | 2NT | |
| Pass | 3 |
Pass | 4 |
| Pass | 4 |
All Pass |
2NT
3
4
4
2NT and 3
2NT, 3 and 4
Which bids should be alerted? The N-S plays that 3 is weak after East's takeout double.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DBL | 3 |
|
| Pass | 4 |
All Pass |
1
DBL
3
4
None of the above
Dbl and 3
Which of these calls needs to be alerted (explanations follow)?
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pass | 4 |
|
| Pass | 4NT | Pass | 5 |
| Pass | 6 |
All Pass |
4 = splinter showing shortness and heart support with game forcing values
4NT= 1430 Keycard Blackwood
5 = 3/0 Keycards
6 = to play
4
4NT
5
All of the Above
None of the Above
Which of the following bids should be alerted? Explanations follow.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
2 |
2 |
|
| 4 |
Pass | Pass | Double |
| All Pass |
2 = Michaels Cuebid showing spades and a minor
2 = Cuebid of spades; limit raise or better in hearts
4 = Natural
Dbl = Penalty
2
2
4
Double
All of the above
None of the above
Two of the above
Which of the following bids is alertable? Explanations follow.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pass | 1 |
|
| Pass | 1NT | Pass | 2 |
| Pass | 2 |
Pass | 4 |
| All Pass |
|
1 = 4+ spades 6+ points
1NT = 12-14 points and not four spades
2 = New Minor Forcing
1NT
2
2
4
All of the Above
None of the Above
Which of the following calls is alertable? Explanations follow.
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | 2 |
Pass | 2 |
| Pass | 2 |
All Pass |
1NT = 15-17 balanced
2 = Clubs and a higher suit (DONT)
2 = Pass or correct
2 = Hearts is the other suit
2
2
2
All of the above
None of the Above
Two of the Above
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