Stop Cards Binned

The Board of NZ Bridge has declared Stop Cards are no longer to be used at Bridge Tournaments. The Board's decision was taken after considering their use internationally, their inconsistent and inappropriate use nationally, and comments and increasing concerns from players. This does not prevent clubs from continuing to require their use during club sessions. Cambridge has opted not to use stop cards anymore. 

Stop cards were introduced to reduce the likelihood of players receiving unauthorised information from their partner if they hesitated after a jump bid by the opponents. Their inconsistent use, inconsistent pauses after their use and their use by some players to alert their partner to the fact that they have made a skip board means that using Stop Cards often creates unauthorised information. This latter point is often reported by players.

Murray Wiggins 10th September 2024
Chief Director