Welcome to Mission Hills Duplicate Bridge Club

MHDBC is an ACBL sanctioned Zero Tolerance Club focused on providing a pleasant, positive environment for our participating players..We expect common sense behavior and respect toward every person and toward the rules and ethics of the game.

Discourtesy must be avoided. Players should treat the Director, club volunteers, their partners and opponents with respect. Proper bridge etiquette is expected from all players.

Expected Behavior

Any action or conduct by a player that makes bridge more enjoyable for others.

1. Greeting others in a friendly manner prior to start of play on each round.
2. Being a good “host” or “guest” at the table.
3. Doing everything possible to make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner and your opponents.
4. Giving credit to opponents for outstanding play.

Unacceptable Behavior

Any action or conduct by a player that makes bridge less enjoyable for others.

1. Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity, threats, or violence. 
2. Negative comments concerning opponents' or partner's play or bidding. 
3. Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table. 
4. Loud and disruptive arguing with a director's ruling. 

It is understood there might be a natural reluctance to complain about fellow players. Should it become necessary to call the director, the player should simply state, “The player is interfering with my enjoyment of the game.” This conduct is specifically prohibited by Law 74A1 in the Laws of Duplicate Bridge.

Penalties for Failure to Comply with MHDBC’s Zero Tolerance Policy

First Offense– a procedural penalty of one quarter board or three IMPS

Second Offense– ejection from the game where the offense occurs

In the case of any dispute, the Director’s decision is final. The Director may impose immediate sanctions. There is no post-game appeal procedure for behavior infractions.

Procedures and Policies

Cell Phones

• Cell phones are to be turned off or muted for the duration of the game. If a phone rings during a game, the offending pair will receive a “one quarter board” reduction at the end of the game.

Convention Cards

• Players are required to have a completed convention card available to share with your opponents.
• Fantunes/Phantom Club Systems are not permitted to be used.

Bidding and Play of the Hand

• Bidding boxes are not to be touched until you are prepared to make your bid.  

• Bids designated in RED must be ALERTED by the Bidder’s partner.
• Bids in BLUEmust be ANNOUNCED by Bidder’s partner.
• Bid in tempo to avoid any appearance of conveying unauthorized information.
   

Fragrances

• Players are requested to avoid the use of any kind of perfume or cologne. 

Seating

• It is a privilege to sit N/S. The player sitting North is responsible for the game fee envelope, all boards are played in the correct direction and round concludes in the time allotted.

Slow Play

• Slow Play is subject to penalty as defined in ACBL Laws 12 and 86.  The Director announces the number of tables, the sit-out if appropriate and sets the clock at the beginning of the game to provide 7 1/2 minutes for each board.  

• Bidding must be completed with Dummy’s cards down on the table before the 2 minute clock warning.

• The Director may remove one or more boards from a round and assign a “no play” to one or both pairs.  The Director shall make the “No Play” entry in the Bridgemate. 
   

Smoking

• Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the Joslyn Center campus.

Adaptive Medical Equipment

• Walkers and wheelchairs must be kept to the side walls away from aisles and tables unless the player is seated on the adaptive equipment. 
• Canes may be stored safely beneath a player’s chair.

Questions and Comments

Players have 24 hours immediately following a game to direct via email any scoring errors and questions to the Director.

REMEMBER:  DIRECTOR’S WORD IS FINAL!