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r/bridge•
_poho

Converting from American contract bridge to UK duplicate bridge

I hope the question makes sense, I am not a bridge player!

My partner is an experienced bridge player but has played solely in the US and on BBO and is now looking to play in the UK at a club. My understanding is that there are different bidding conventions between the two countries, and it will take a little time to learn them.

Her birthday is coming up and I'd like to surprise her. Are there any books or resources available that might help with learning the UK conventions? I've looked up a few titles but can't tell which system is which.

Posted Apr 9, 2022, 11:37 AM UTC

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joloiyse•

So the most common system in the UK is ACOL. This means 4 card majors and a weak NT. There are different versions and systems floating about but in general if you sit down with someone in a UK club and say "standard ACOL?" They will understand and you will have a working system.

I know that this isn't what you asked for, but this is a convention card for modern acol from the EBU: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ebu.co.uk/documents/laws-and-ethics/convention-cards/bfa-acol-Level%25202.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjd4ua_-Ib3AhXSOcAKHYSWDBkQFnoECE0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw27oR6DEVIKffXRdwll46sX

In terms of books, I'd always recommend something by Andrew Robson, but I think Modern ACOL by Sandra Landy looks good too.

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_pohoOP•

This is fantastic, thank you so much!

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JaziTricksAdvanced•

in most clubs one can find players using standard American and it's varieties.

probably easier than converting.

but knowing acol and knowing how to defend against acol bidders is really useful

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_pohoOP•

Ah, that's really good to know, thank you!

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fubbleskag•

Can I just say this is wonderful gift giving, good on you.

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_pohoOP•

Aw, thank you.

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traingamexxClubDirector•

Another convention that I believe is quite common in the UK is the Multi-2D bid. (At least as of a few years ago) This was a convention in the U.S. that had all sorts of strings attached to its usage. (It's a Mid-Chart convention in the U.S. IIRC)

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_pohoOP•

Thank you so much, I will make a note of this.

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7NTXX•

The Acol system popular in the UK is a relic that no one good really plays anymore. It is enduringly popular in club bridge, though. But your partner will quickly pick up the basics of it to play against, actually making an effort to learn it would be perverse, like studying an obsolete computer language or something like that.

Your partner will have no problem finding people to play her US style system if she wants to play at a decent level.

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