However, mah tournaments are using boxes that sit on the table, which have been proven entirely satisfactory. The only problems are initial expense, storage, and, alas, pilferage. There is a better way, and it works equally well for one table or one thousand. Each player maintains his own small box, which sits sturdily on the table in a position chosen for that individual's convenience. Almost all problems disappear.
Personal boxes allow the advantages of silent auctions with virtually no downside.
Personal bidding boxes is an idea whose time has come. Even when boxes are not required, you can make your bridge events better by using your own box. As more and more players see the advantages of these boxes in action, they will become standard. A BYOB tournament will be one where you Bring Your Own Box. This adjustment took place in 1992, and the impact of the change has by now been felt widely.