bridgetalk.com forums :: Laws & Rulings :: alerting limit raises in comp?

alerting limit raises in comp? ( 20:13:24 MonJul 21 2003 )

Country: USA

Hi all,
In the ACBL now, any weak jump raise in a contested auction is not alertable. Does that mean that the old limit jump raise is alertable?

Thanks,
Dan

mycroft

67 posts
bridgetalk member

Re: alerting limit raises in comp? ( 23:09:33 TueJul 22 2003 )

The new convention card has no "red" natural treatments of double raise after overcall - which is a good indicator that it is not Alertable no matter what the strength range.

The Alert pamphlet says that any treatment that is "unexpected" is Alertable. I do not believe that either preemptive or limit raises in competition is "unexpected" - it may be in a particular community, but the Pamphlet also says "in historical usage, not local geographic usage".

I used to Alert all preemptive jump raises in competition, because I couldn't remember that 1S-X-3S weak was "expected", but 1H-1S-3H weak was "unexpected". Nobody had a problem with that - and if you wish to Alert your limit raises now, I don't expect anyone would mind either. But I think this is one of those things that is so much "could be either" that you have to ask or check the CC. Note: this may easily have been the intent of the ACBL Laws Committee!

Michael.

jomurdock

1 posts
bridgetalk member

Re: alerting limit raises in comp? ( 18:32:54 WedJul 23 2003 )

Is this ftf or online bridge? In ftf I have a problem with people alerting bids that aren't alertable. I sometimes think they are alerting their partners! This could be true in this case for instance with a pickup partner. You aren't sure what partner plays so you alert questionable bids hoping for a chance to "explain" how you understood the bid. Is that paranoid or what?

It's a little easier with online bridge where partner doesn't see the alerts. However, I think alerting slows down the game and people should check cc's first and then ask if they need to.

In answer to the original question - Neither limit in comp nor weak in comp are alertable.

172 posts
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Re: alerting limit raises in comp? ( 19:19:48 WedJul 23 2003 )

Country: USA

The CC is an indicator, but is not definitive. The regulation is definitive. If they conflict, the CC is, by definition, wrong. :biggrin:

As has been said, limit raises in competition are not alertable in the ACBL.

Generally speaking, it's easier on the blood pressure *not* to assume that opponents are cheating. :smile:

If it becomes blatant, that's a different story, but I would tend to assume most players are honest until there is definite evidence otherwise. Aside from that, some people honestly think that alerts are for partner's benefit. They're wrong, but the answer to that is education (for which you should call the TD and let him do it, assuming there is one).

Alerting may slow down the game, but opponents are entitled to full disclosure, and alerts are part of that.

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If you need help with the Laws or rulings from any country in the world, this is the place!Hosted by David StevensonSenior Consultant DirectorEnglish Bridge Union

If you need help with the Laws or rulings from
any country in the world, this is the place!

Hosted by David Stevenson
Senior Consultant Director
English Bridge Union