To go to the Google Calendar for the 2026 Ashburton Bridge Programme: click here
To go to the Google Calendar for 2026 Canty tournaments: click here
ICS files to add these calendars to your phone calendar:
ICS file for 2026 AshBridge programme: AshBridge2026
Bridge Protocol, by Carla Heslop
“Bridge Protocol” is a booklet written by Carla Heslop, a director from Christchurch. It covers many aspects of bridge. It will be useful for both beginner players and more experience players to read. ProtocolBooklet-1
BRIDGE PROPRIETIES
Bridge protocol, or table etiquette, can be summed up in one word: COURTESY
Time is public property - don’t take more than your share.
A reasonable standard of dress is expected
Cell phones to be turned off during play
The following acts should be carefully avoided.
- Varying the method used in calling.
- Calling with special emphasis, inflection or intonation.
- Passing or doubling with exceptional haste or reluctance.
- Making a call with undue delay which may result in conveying improper information to partner.
- Indicating by facial expression or in any way showing approval or disapproval of partner’s call or play.
- Giving by word, manner or gesture an indication of hand held.
- Giving unauthorized information as to an incident of the auction or play.
- Volunteering information which should be given only in response to a question.
- Playing a card with special emphasis or playing a card with undue delay when it does not need consideration.
- Detaching a card from his hand before it is his turn to play or lead or detaching a card and then replacing it.
- Remarks or mannerisms which may deceive the opponents.
Note:
- Dummy must not touch a card from his hand unless directed to do so by declarer.
- Dummy may try to prevent an irregularity by declarer (e.g. ask declarer about a possible revoke, or warn declarer against leading from the wrong hand) but may not try to prevent an irregularity on the part of a defender.
