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As a devout bridge player, I can tell you that in any ACBL-sanctioned game, the word about which you write is never formally spoken aloud. Bids are made by pulling cards out of the bidding box. Players are not allowed to talk during the bidding process, and during play of the hand, conversation is strictly limited. There will be, of course, informal opportunities to invoke the word, but the more sensitive and discerning of us will find ways to avoid it...

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Fascinating. My grandma and parents played bridge, I've never heard of a bidding box!

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They are for use in duplicate bridge, which is a bit different from traditional social or "party" bridge. You can see what they look like at this link: https://www.baronbarclay.com/bidding-devices/

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Thank you! Grandma played duplicate, but I never watched her.

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