reporting psyches

Guidance for Tournament Directors on reporting psychic calls in Scottish Bridge events.

Scottish Bridge records psychic calls in selected events. This applies to Scottish Bridge-run competitions, including national events and congresses.

Person holding playing cards with Queen, 5, 3, Jack, 7, 6 of clubs, at a table with other playing cards and game pieces, in a well-lit room.

what is a psyche?

A gross violation of the agreed meaning of a call.

procedure

The examples below provide guidance on identifying psychic calls and the appropriate procedure.

  • Being slightly below a stated point range is not a psyche

  • Regularly opening 1NT with 14 HCP should instead be disclosed as 14–17 on the convention card

  • Opening a Weak 2 with a 5-card suit is not a psyche, but repeated use should be disclosed

  • A bid meeting the Rule of 18 is not a psyche unless made in a short suit

If you are unsure whether a call is psychic, record it and submit it. The Laws and Ethics Committee will make the final decision.

Psyche Report Form

Under Law 40B(d), the SBU restricts the use of psychic artificial calls.

It is not permitted to psyche strong, artificial, forcing opening bids, including:

  • Acol strong 2♣

  • Game-forcing 2♦

  • 1♣ in a strong club system

If such a psyche occurs, a procedural penalty should be awarded.