Any group may specify that the Alert procedure be used in its games. Then, the partner of a player who makes a call to which the partnership attaches a special, unusual meaning, one with which the opponents may not be familiar, is required to say, "Alert."

N.B. No explanation should be volunteered. After the Alert, either opponent may, at his own turn to call, inquire as to the special meaning.

A partnership that does not want to be Alerted should so request, and this request should be honored.

 

Any group may specify that the "Stop" or "Skip Bid" procedure be used in its games. Then, whenever a player opens the bidding at the two level or higher or makes a bid higher than necessary to overcall the last preceding bid, he announces, "Stop", or "Skip Bid" (the group specifies the form to be used), before making the bid.

After this announcement, the opponent next to speak is required to hesitate for approximately 10 seconds before making any call.

 

Any group may specify that opening leads be made face-down in its games. If this opening lead is determined to be out of turn (before being faced), the leader returns the card to his hand without penalty.

When the face-down lead will be legal, dummy delays spreading his hand. Opening leader's partner asks any questions concerning the auction, including a review. Then, the lead is faced (opening leader may not withdraw it), dummy is faced, and play proceeds normally.