ACOL SYSTEM
LEADS AND SIGNALS

As with any other Bidding System, the lead can define several things such as Attitude or Preference or Count. These are essentials in any Bidding System, and the Acol System is no exception. With the lead or a later discard, bridge partners are able to send signals containing useful and important information back and forth. With this information, the defense becomes more active. We have tried to give a short synopsis for signaling with leads and discards generally used in the Acol System. Please keep in mind that these are only general guidelines, and that nothing is etched in stone.

Leads
Generally:

1. Overlead honors - except with Ace/King and a singleton, lead the King and switch to the singleton.

2. Fourth best.

3. From 3 small, the general view varies:

a. Against No Trump, usually lead the top card unless your partner has bid the suit and you have not supported that suit, then low.

b. Against a suit contract, usually Middle/Up/Down, or MUD, unless your partner has bid the suit, then low is often the best manner of giving the card count.

c. Usually, the second best from 4 small, but the top card from 5 small.

Signals
Generally:

1. If we lead: an honor gives attitude unless the count is more important. Signaling with a low card gives count if dummy's card can not be beat.

2. If the opponents lead : show count, unless this feature becomes unimportant.

3. Discards: the first discard often shows attitude, later discards are count or random.

4. When the attitude in the suit led is known, show count, or possibly suit preference if obvious. If we lead and there is any doubt about the situation, show attitude.

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.

	Claus and Raymond Conventions Bridge Sites Home Page I Acol Home Page II