Remarks During The Bidding

December 2007 UNAUTHORISED INFORMATION

May I remind all club members of Law 74B2 which states ‘As a matter of courtesy a player should refrain from making gratuitous comments during the auction and play.’

It is sometimes regarded as pleasant to make what can be construed as jocular remarks during the auction or play, especially when playing social bridge. If, however, it occurs during a duplicate session and the final result gives the commenting pair a good result their opponents may be seething at an unpleasant injustice. In general, it is advisable to make no comment at all.

Calling the Director

November 2007 CALLING THE DIRECTOR

One of the Director’s functions is to sort out or clarify any apparent anomalies or infringements that occur. However I am aware that some players are reticent about calling the Director because they assume that their action is tantamount to an accusation of cheating or deliberate malpractice. Others assume that an opponent, when calling, is about to make such an accusation. In practice it is a request to restore equity and should not be considered as anything stronger than that.

To avoid calling, some players attempt to sort out the problem themselves but they should consider the following points:

(a) The Director's ruling is unbiased.

(b) It gives the Director experience and added confidence in his or her ability to deal with such situations.

(c) If necessary he or she can consult with other Directors to ensure that the decision is as fair as possible.