Bridge Etiquette: Bidding Dos and Don'ts

In bridge, bidding is an exchange of information. During bidding, you're trying to telegraph details about your cards to your partner. Your first impulse may be to develop some special bidding conventions that only you and your partner know.
According to the rules of the game, however, you can't have any bidding secrets with your partner; the same goes for your opponents. So even though the opponents may be bidding their heads off, you at least will know what their bids mean.

Here are some tips to help you keep your bidding on the straight and narrow:

Do try to use the minimum number of words possible when you bid. If you want to pass, say just one word: "Pass." If you want to bid 3♣, say "Three clubs." No more, no less.

Do be careful about how you use your voice. You may be tempted to bid softly if you have a weak hand or loudly if you have a strong one. Remember to keep all your bids at the same decibel level.

Don't use body language. If your partner makes a bid you don't like, don't throw any looks across the table and don't use any negative body language. If your partner makes a bid that you do like, you also must refrain from any telltale signs of glee.

Don't give in to emotional reactions or breakdowns, no matter what happens during the bidding. Bridge is too great a game to mess it up with illegal signals, so keep an even keel.

Bridge, a game of strategy, communication, and camaraderie, thrives on a foundation of mutual respect and clear guidelines—especially when it comes to bidding, the phase where partnerships lay out their intentions and compete for the contract. Understanding bridge etiquette during bidding isn’t just about following rules; it’s about ensuring fair play, maintaining focus, and preserving the enjoyment of the game for everyone at the table.
The "dos" of bidding revolve around clarity, honesty, and consideration. Always bid in a tone and pace that’s audible to all players—no muttering or rushing, as confusion can derail the flow. Stick strictly to the agreed-upon conventions with your partner; deviations without prior discussion are unfair and misleading. If you make a mistake in your bid, correct it promptly and gracefully, following the rules of the game to avoid gaining an undue advantage. And remember to stay attentive: even if it’s not your turn, listening to others’ bids helps keep the game on track and shows respect for their strategy.
On the flip side, the "don’ts" are equally vital to uphold sportsmanship. Never use body language, facial expressions, or sighs to signal disapproval or hint at your hand—such "unauthorized information" violates the spirit of fair competition. Avoid making sarcastic or belittling comments about your partner’s or opponents’ bids; bridge is a team sport, and negativity undermines trust. Similarly, don’t bid simply to disrupt the opponents without a sound strategic reason. Finally, resist the urge to argue over bids; if a misunderstanding arises, address it calmly after the hand, guided by the game’s rules.
In essence, bidding etiquette in bridge is about balancing competitive spirit with courtesy. When everyone plays with integrity and consideration, the game becomes not just a test of skill, but a shared pleasure.

令人惊讶的是，它很容易学，但很难掌握。

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The atmosphere is incredible.