Convention Charts & Alert Procedures

1. The charts#

Four convention charts define the agreements permitted at increasing event levels: the Basic Chart, the Basic+ Chart, the Open Chart, and the Open+ Chart. An event's Conditions of Contest name the chart in force; see Conditions of Contest 2.1.

2. Basic Chart#

The Basic Chart permits natural systems and a small set of common conventions. It is the default for newcomer and limited events.

3. Open Chart#

The Open Chart permits a wider range of agreements, including many two-way and artificial calls, subject to the alert and pre-alert requirements.

4. Alert procedures#

An alert notifies opponents of an agreement they might not expect. Alerts are given by the partner of the player who made the call. Announcements are used for specified calls such as opening notrump ranges.