TAPE
RELAY
The Tape Relay bidding system was devised by Mr. Donald Evans, and uses a Forcing Pass as an opening bid in any seat, after prior players, opponents or partner, have passed. A Forcing Pass is a pass which forces the partner to take an action, even with insufficient values. The opening pass of a partner in any bidding system, in general, will cause a disruption and confusion on the part of the opponents. The Tape Relay system and other similar bidding systems, which employ the opening Forcing Pass are not permitted at ACBL-sanctioned events or in World Pair tournaments. Such systems, however, are permitted in major World Team championships such as the Bermuda Bowl.
The response or responses are based upon a Relay system and depend entirely on the opening bid or pass. The responses are not included.
The Tape Relay Opening Bids are as follows:
|
1 |
13 plus HCPs | Shape is irrelevant |
|
1 |
0-7 HCPs | Shape is irrelevant |
|
1 |
8-12 HCPs | 4-card plus Heart suit |
|
1 |
8-12 HCPs | 4-card plus Spade suit |
|
1 NT |
8-12 HCPs | Balanced, and at least one 4-card Major suit |
|
2 |
8-12 HCPs | Shows a 6-card plus Club suit |
|
2 |
8-12 HCPs | Distribution is 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0, and short in Hearts |
|
2 |
8-12 HCPs | Distribution is 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0, and short in Spades |
|
2 |
8-12 HCPs | Shows 5-5 shape in the Minor suits |
|
2 NT |
3-9 HCPs | Shows a 2-suited holding and no Clubs |
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.