ACBL Announcement Rules
It seems that most players do not know what may and what must
be announced (a form of alert) in ACBL games. It's much simpler
than you probably think.
Announce:
- Forcing or Semi-forcing 1NT responses to one of a major openings.
Say "forcing" or "semi-forcing." It doesn't matter if you are
a passed hand. If 1NT is semi-forcing, say "semi-forcing."
- Opening Notrump bids that are frequently outside the range of 15-18 HCP.
Say the range. For example, if you play 14+-17 HCP opening NTs,
say, "Good 14 to 17." If you play 10-12, say "10 to 12." If you
play 15-17 and once in a blue moon open a 14-count 1NT, say nothing.
- Jacoby and Texas transfers. Say "transfer." More precisely,
any transfer from diamonds to hearts or hearts to spades after
our natural 1NT opening bid or overcall must be announced. At
any level. (Note that this is a minor change from earlier procedure.)
That's all. Do not announce negative doubles. Do not announce
two diamonds waiting. Do not announce Stayman. Do not announce
Roman Key Card Blackwood. Do not announce anything other than what's
above. Please.
When using bidding boxes, while announcing, tap the alert strip.
This is a kindness for those who have reduced hearing.
If you encounter folks who think these rules are too complicated,
tell them about this web page. It's less than half a page on my screen.
Jeff Goldsmith,
jeff@tintin.jpl.nasa.gov,
Jan. 12, 1999