by Jude Goodwin © Great Bridge Links
In its simplest form, bridge is a whist-like card game played with a single deck of 52 playing cards (no jokers) and four people who make up two partnerships. It is played in three basic stages:
In this article, part of a series called Bridge Basics, we will talk about the bidding box, a device used in duplicate bridge during the bidding stage.
A Bidding Box contains cards representing the different bids from 1♣ all the way up to 7Nt, and calls such as pass, double, redouble, and alert. Players use these cards instead of bidding out loud. Bidding boxes are most common in duplicate bridge tournaments, where they help maintain a quiet environment and prevent unintended signals. But these boxes have become essential equipment, even for home games.
When I used to play bridge with my parents 35 years ago, they had their own set of bidding boxes that they would bring out for home games even though they had never played duplicate. It might feel a bit awkward at first, using the bidding cards instead of speaking your bid out loud, but you’ll quickly get used to it and will appreciate how they make the game more pleasant for so many reasons.
For one thing, you will never miss a bid again – because all the bids remain face up on the table until you agree that you’ve seen them all. Having to ‘review the bidding’ will be a thing of the past. This is very helpful for new players especially as a teacher can pause the game when the bidding is done and invite questions about the bidding. And it’s actually quite legal to do this in a game at any level – pause and ask questions about the bids, before moving on to the play of the hand
For another thing, players won’t be able to influence the game using voice inflection. We’ve all played bridge with that uncle who will say “pass?” like a question or “Pass!!!” loudly in order to be sure your aunt knows she’s not to bid again. With bidding boxes players will be less likely to convey unauthorized information with their tone of voice.
Let’s take a look at bidding boxes, their history and the basics on how to use them.
The bidding box was invented in 1962 by Swedish bridge enthusiast Gösta Nordenson. Its first use in a major tournament was in 1970 during the World Bridge Championships in Stockholm. The invention attracted the attention of Eric Jannersten, a well-known bridge player and founder of Jannersten Förlag AB, who popularized the bidding box in European tournaments.
Bidding boxes quickly gained popularity in Europe and eventually spread to bridge clubs in the United States. Today, they are widely used in bridge tournaments around the world and have become a staple in many casual games due to their practicality and added structure.
An interesting tidbit – the term “Bidding Boxes” was registered as a trademark by Jannersten Förlag AB on July 9, 1985, under U.S. Registration Number 1348196. This registration covered “bid indicators used in the card game of bridge.” Due to this trademark, some bridge organizations and publications adopted alternative terms like “bid boxes” to avoid potential trademark infringement. This practice allowed them to refer to the devices without using the trademarked term. Over time however, the term “bidding boxes” has become commonly used across most bridge organizations and publications.
We’ve touched on this above, but here’s a good list of advantages to using the device:
1. What should I do if I make a mistake while bidding?
If you accidentally pull out the wrong card, you can correct it without penalty, provided you do so immediately, without hesitation, and before your left hand opponent has made their call. In tournament play, you may need to call the director for any adjustment.
2. Are bidding boxes mandatory in bridge tournaments?
Yes, in many duplicate bridge tournaments, especially in ACBL-sanctioned events. Players in these settings are expected to use them, though exceptions are sometimes made for new players or those with specific needs.
3. What are the accessibility options for bidding boxes?
Bidding boxes for left-handed players are available. Additionally, players with hearing impairments benefit significantly from using them, while those with physical limitations may be exempted upon request.
4. How does the Stop card work, and why was it discontinued by ACBL?
The Stop card was intended to give the next player a few seconds to consider their bid, avoiding tempo-related clues. ACBL removed it in 2018, finding that players could maintain a steady bidding rhythm without it.
5. Can I use my own left-handed bidding box in a tournament?
Most tournaments allow left-handed players to bring and use their own boxes if they prefer.
6. Where can I purchase Bidding boxes for my home games?
Bidding boxes can be found in sets of four at any bridge supply shop, as well as on Amazon. A set of four can be had for under $25 usd. Once you have the boxes, don’t worry if you spill beverages or food on the cards. Replacement cards can also be easily purchased. You’ll find a good geographic list of bridge shops on Gifts & Supplies for Card Players to help you shop in your part of the world.
Bidding boxes have streamlined and standardized the auction process in bridge, reducing miscommunication and enhancing game fairness. By providing a quiet and organized way to bid, they allow players to focus on strategy without distraction. With this guide, players of all experience levels can confidently incorporate bidding boxes into their game, enjoying bridge with all the advantages this essential tool provides.
Jude Goodwin is a Life Master, bridge blogger and cartoonist living in Vancouver, BC. Jude has been playing bridge since the early 1970s, was editor and publisher of the Canadian Bridge Federation‘s magazine Bridge Canada for over 35 years (now retired), is the author of the bridge book, Teach Me To Play, and two books of bridge cartoons. Jude is the publishing editor and owner of Great Bridge Links, launched in 1995 and Gifts & Supplies for Card Players.
