'These opening bids were devised by Mr. Steve Altus of Stanford, California, United States, (originally of Tampa, Florida, United States). World Bridge Federation Code: WBF Code: USA&500003. Mr. Steve Altus won The Red Ribbon Pairs national bridge championship in 1994, which is held at the Spring American Contract Bridge League's (ACBL) North American Bridge Championship (NABC). His partner was Mr. T. C. Petty.

The reference to Cable Car is mostly likely owing to the fact that the city of San Francisco, California, United States, is well known and famous for its rather unique mode of transportation with cable cars, which travel and traverse the streets of the city.

Note: The 1 Club opening bid is forcing for one round. The partner may not pass.

Note: Mr. Steve Altus was taught the game of bridge by his parents Mrs. Muriel Altus and Mr. Philip Altus of District 9, Unit 128, at the early age of thirteen.

Opening Bids Only

Bid		Strength		Meaning
1 :		17+ high card points		Any shape.
1 :		13-16 high card points		Various shapes.
1 :		8-12 high card points		Promises a 4-card plus Heart suit. The canapé principle applies.
1 :		8-12 high card points		Promises a 4-card plus Spade suit. The canapé principle applies.
1 NT:		10-12 high card points		Shows balanced shape.
2 :		8-12 high card points		Promises a 5-card plus Club suit.
2 :		8-12 high card points		Promises a 5-card plus Diamond suit.
2 :		13-16 high card points		Promises a 5-card plus Heart suit.
2 :		13-16 high card points		Promises a 5-card plus Spade suit.
2NT:		6-9 high card points		Distribution: 5-5 in the Minor suits.
Extended Version:
3 :		13-16 high card points		Promises a minimum of a 6-card suit in Clubs.
3 :		13-16 high card points		Promises a minimum of a 6-card suit in Diamonds.

Any opening on the three level in the Minor suits indicates a range of 13-16 high card points and a 6-card plus suit. Any 4-card Major suit opening on the one level may possibly contain canapés.

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.