In 1997 the English Bridge Union defined a "Standard English" bidding system that would serve for teaching beginners and inexperienced players how to bid well (properly and accurately) while using essentially the same bidding system as the majority of club players use.
The "Foundation Level" version of Standard English keeps things as simple as possible without side-stepping any of the essentials. It is a perfectly playable system for all players, though those with ambitions will benefit from using something more advanced.
The following links will help you to find what you want if you wish to play or learn Standard English Foundation Level.
| Complete system description |
| Convention Card (MS-Word format) |
| Convention Card (PDF format) |
These notes summarise the Standard English Foundation Level system and are intended to give experienced players an overview of the system.
Standard English Foundation Level is a simple bidding system but perfectly fit for purpose. Anyone learning to play bridge using this system will be starting from a genuinely firm foundation.
When players have the ambition to move to a more advanced system, the EBU has provided "Standard English Modern Acol" as a sensible progression for players who have started bridge by learning Standard English Foundation Level. It is a relatvely easy upgrade to make, adding the following features while changing nothing else:
Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club