The STOP card in bridge is used in order to help all players keep their rights, as far as thinking is concerned. However I have some questions.
When do we have to use the STOP card. Should STOP be used before ANY jump bid? I find logic to use stop in bids like 1S-3S or 1H-(2S). But how about 1NT-3NT. What is the official rule?
The second question is about HOW to use the stop card. Here are some options.
This is what i think that should happen
- Show STOP card
- make your bid
- Remove stop card (no waiting)
- (opponent waits 5-8 seconds)
- opponent makes his bid
This is what most people think that should happen
- Show STOP card
- make your bid
- wait 5-8 seconds
- Remove stop card
- opponent makes his bid
Which one is the official way according to the rules?
The reason why I think that the second option is not "correct", is because the player who used the STOP could wait 10-20 (or more) seconds before removing it. What should the opponent do?