Don’t Tell – Don’t Ask

“Don’t Tell”: Many players, in their eagerness to fully disclose, offer explanations of alertable calls before they are asked.

“Alert! That’s a transfer to clubs.”  Or worse: “I’m taking that as a transfer to clubs.”

“That’s a stolen bid double.”

“Alert! That’s a splinter.”

“Could be short; promises at least one 4-card major.”

“Alert!  That’s a forcing raise showing 4 trumps.”  Or worse: “That’s Jacoby.”

When your partner makes an alertable call, you are supposed to say “Alert!” and tap the Alert Flag or display the Alert Card.  You should not make any explanation unless your right-hand opponent asks for one.  (Your left-hand opponent may not ask until his turn to bid.) 

If you offer an unsolicited explanation, your opponent has every right to call the Director and complain that you are intentionally transmitting unauthorized information to your Partner.  And that is bad.  So, “Don’t Tell,” unless asked.

“Don’t Ask”:  When your opponent says “Alert!” it is for your benefit, not for his partner’s.  While his partner is supposed to act deaf, he isn’t.  If you ask for an explanation, everyone hears it. 

If you have no intention of entering the bidding at this point, don’t ask just to satisfy your curiosity.  Why enable the opponents to reassure each other that neither has forgotten their agreements?  When you hear the “Alert!“ say, “Thank you.”  If you hear the beginnings of an explanation, say, “I am not asking at this point.”  Later in the auction, you may ask for an explanation of an earlier “Alert!“  You may also do so just before making your final pass.  After the auction, either defender may ask for an explanation of all alerts.  However, you may not ask any questions about the explanations, since that might suggest an opening lead.

If you want to get into the auction, and there is any doubt about the meaning of the Alert!, you may wish to ask for an explanation of their agreement.  If you hear something like, “We haven’t discussed it, but I am guessing…” quickly (but courteously) stop the answer.  It is not your intent to facilitate their communication.