This designation applies to a carding and/or discarding method, which communicates certain information to a bridge partner. The origin is unknown, but this particular method has gained popularity with the bridge community. The name of this carding method is also referred to sometimes as reverse signals, although there can be minor differences according to the bridge experts.

As can be presumed from the designation, a card can inform the partner of several things perhaps important to the defense and maintaining communication. This presentation includes first the general guidelines of the more standard method of carding. These are presented below.

Partner Leads a Suit

If partner leads a small card to a non-tabled dummy, then the normal procedure is to play third hand high. However, following the tabling of the dummy, once the partner discovers that no card is held that can win the trick or force the declarer to play a high honor to promote a possible winner, then the partner should show attitude.

If partner leads a top honor, such as an Ace, to a non-tabled dummy, then the normal procedure for the partner is to show attitude with the first played card. This holds true also if the partner, during play, wins a trick and switches to a new suit and plays a top honor. The first card should show attitude.

1.	When following to a suit, the guideline is to signal attitude with the first card.
	a. When following to a suit, the guideline is to signal attitude with the first card.
			Dummy     AJ7   West   East KQ96   852
	b. A high card signals discouragement.
2.	When following to a suit, the guideline is to signal suit preference with the second card.

Declarer Leads a Suit

1.	When following to a suit, the guideline is to signal count with the first card.
2.	When following to a suit, the guideline is to signal suit preference with the second card.

Discarding in an Unled Suit

When the opportunity arises to discard in a suit, the guideline is:

1.	Signal attitude with the first card.
	a. A low card signals encouragement.
	b. A high card signals discouragement.
2.	Signal present count with the second card.

 

 

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.