April 2021 - 6

IN FIRST

SEAT

Cards and charts
The February editorial reminding players to load convention cards for online
play drew quite a bit of (mainly) positive feedback, as well as some additional
suggestions from readers. Concurrently, Bridge Base Online updated its platform,
including its convention card menus, a much-welcomed improvement. Not only
does BBO now offer players several choices of standard cards (two versions of
Standard American Yellow Card, two versions of 2/1,
and Acol for the Brits), each one may be edited to suit
partnership preferences. There's also an option to load
" personal " cards, allowing partnerships to cater to
more complex systems.
The trick now, of course, is to get players into the
habit of using convention cards on a regular basis in
ACBL-sanctioned pair games. ACBL directors help
promote this practice by reminding players to do so
before each game begins.
Readers have made some good suggestions, too.
Many would like for all contestants to post their first
PAUL LINXWILER
and last names (not just their screen names) on their
editor@acbl.org
convention cards. This little bit of socialization is
surprisingly effective at creating a friendlier playing
environment in face-to-face bridge; it would be useful for online games, too.
A good technical suggestion comes from several readers who would like to
be able to download existing convention cards in other formats (such as PDF),
allowing contestants to quickly add their favorite cards when playing on BBO.
The ACBL convention charts were revised in 2018 by the Competition and
Conventions Committee. This seems like an eternity ago, as COVID has pushed
many things to the back burner, but face-to-face play will return later this year,
so clubs, units and districts are beginning the work of planning for live bridge.
Among the many things that need to be considered (if it hadn't already been
decided before COVID) is which of the four charts - Basic, Basic+, Open and
Open+ - will be used for games at each of these levels of play
Several readers have requested clarification on which charts govern which
events, so organizers should consider which ones they plan to adopt, as live bridge
returns in force. Beginner games at clubs should likely use the Basic chart, for
example, while games with higher masterpoint limits should likely use the Basic+
charts. As tournament organizers build their upcoming schedule of events, they
should select and advertise which charts will be in force for the contests so that
players will know in advance which methods are permitted.
There are certainly more pressing concerns for tournament officials to worry
about as live bridge returns, but this is an easy one to tackle. The charts may be
viewed online at acbl.org under the Tournaments tab. Expand the General
Information menu and select Charts, Rules and Regulations.

6 | Bridge Bulletin | April 2021

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EDITOR

Paul Linxwiler
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Chip Dombrowski
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amy Casanova
GRAPHIC DESIGN / LAYOUT

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April 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2021
