NEW ALERT PROCEDURE

Highlights:

1. Removal of special alerts.
2. Announcement of meaning of bid by partner immediately after the following bids:
   • opening 1NT range if other than 15-18 (e.g., upon opening 1NT, partner will announce "12 to 14")
   • two-level transfers to the majors in auctions that start 1NT-Pass-2D(H) (partner will announce "transfer");
   • forcing and semi-forcing 1NT (partner will announce "forcing" if simply forcing, or "semi-forcing" if generally forcing, e.g., after 3rd/4th position openings).

Of special interest, the traditional negative double will no longer be Alerted (or announced). It's taken all this time to recognize Al Roth's negative double as natural and, more significantly, Universal. [Note that doubles in these sequences that are for penalties are now alertable.] In addition, there remain some Pre-Alerts, and Delayed Alerts (Alertable bids that should not be alerted until after the auction but before the opening lead).

Definition of NATURAL: Any offer to play in a named suit showing

1. 3+ for Minors
2. 4+ for Majors
3. 4++ for Overcall
4. 5++ for Weak Two openings
5. 6+ for Weak Three openings

Pre-Alerts:

1. Two-system methods
2. Systems based on very light openings or other highly aggressive methods or preempts
3. Systems which may be unfamiliar to opponents, such as canape
4. SuperChart and MidChart conventions

Delayed Alerts: Alertable bids that should not be alerted until after the auction but before the opening lead. Ace-asking bids made during second or later rounds of the auction (including responses thereto, and continuations thereafter) and all other conventional calls above level of 3 notrump starting with opener's rebid must be alerted by declaring side prior to opening lead, or if used by defenders, prior to declarer playing from dummy.

A pair will not be sanctioned or the score adjusted for alerting instead of announcing. In such cases, opponents will be given some latitude in making inquiries. A new convention card will be considered at the 1996 Summer NABC in Miami.

Commentary regarding the Alert Procedure will be accepted by the ACBL until January 1, 1997. Final changes will take place at the 1997 Spring ACBL Board of Directors meeting. After these final changes a moratorium (of three years) on changes to the Alert Procedure will go into effect.

The detailed Alert Procedure will appear in the Bulletin, and locally will be distributed at clubs throughout the area, and at the upcoming Eastern States Regional. They will be in effect at our upcoming District Summer Regional, July 10-14.

Please direct any comments, to Alvin Levy, District Director - District 24, 1 Pensdale Court, Stony Brook, NY 11790, (516) 751-8441 (home), or the ACBL MAD line (800) 467-1623, or the ACBL office, attention Gary Blaiss (901) 398-7754 x300, fax (901) 398-7754.

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