WORTHING BRIDGE CLUB BEHAVIOUR & ETIQUETTE
1. Best Behaviour in Bridge
Bridge is an extremely enjoyable game. Courteous behaviour is an exceptionally important part of that enjoyment. This guide serves as a brief reminder of how to behave at the bridge table. We are sure that all players naturally follow this code of conduct but there are times when concentration and pressure can take their toll and it is for these situations that we issue this as a reminder.
Greet others in a friendly manner prior to start of play on each round.
Be a good "host" or "guest" at the table.
Make your convention card readily available to your opponents and fill it out completely.
Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner and opponents.
Give credit when opponents make a good bid or play.
Take care of your personal grooming.
Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off.
Enjoy the company as well as the game.
Contribute positively to the good management of your club by making mature and reasoned suggestions where you believe improvements can be made.
Remember that it is rude to:
criticise your partner or opponents in public;
be less than polite at the table;
gloat over good results;
object to a call for the tournament director; or,
dispute or argue about a directors ruling.
Please speak to the director if you think you may have been affected by bad behaviour. You will be helping others as well as yourselves
As in all games that are governed by rules and regulations, bad behaviour will be penalised.....
If a player at the table behaves in an unacceptable manner, the director should be called immediately. Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is prohibited specifically by Law 74A. Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties. This can include immediate disciplinary board penalties, and if a future violation is incurred at the same event, disqualification from future competition in that event. The guilty party or parties will be deemed not to have played in that event. No master points will be awarded and no refunds received. Any further violations may result in a disciplinary hearing where the player(s) future participation in tournaments will be considered. A Best Behaviour Report Form is available for players to report incidents which occur away from the table; and for directors to document complaints and action taken.
..... enjoy your game!
June 2011
2. Bridge Etiquette
On Arrival
If you are a visitor, check whether you need to sign in.
Check whether particular tables are reserved, eg for the TD, or a disabled member.
Complete the table slip for your partnership and have your table money/voucher ready for collection.
General
Turn off your mobile phone. (If it is absolutely vital you have it on, leave it on vibrate'.)
It is necessary to bid and play at a reasonable pace. The arm is to be able to play at least 24 boards in a session. Including the time taken between rounds this means an average of less than 8 minutes per board.
Each New Round
Greet your new opponents as they arrive at your table and act in a friendly manner.
Explain your system clearly and simply, if asked. Answer any questions clearly.
Sort and count your cards quickly, so that you can bid promptly when it is your turn.
Do not sort through your cards again when it is your turn to bid.
During the bidding do not ask what a bid means unless you are intending to bid. Ask any questions when the auction is over.
The Play
If there is a problem during bidding or play, call the Director. He/she is there to resolve any difficulties accurately, equitably and within the rules.
Do not put your bidding cards away until the initial lead has been made.
When you are making the initial lead, play your card before you write down the contract or enter the details in the Bridgemate. (Three people are waiting!)
Place this card face down on the table first, to check whether partner has any questions about the auction.
As dummy, lay out the cards before you write down the contract or enter the details in the Bridgemate. And lay out the cards as quickly as possible. (Three people are waiting!)
As declarer, plan your campaign before you select a card from dummy.
As dummy, do not play the first card (even if it is a singleton) until declarer has worked out his plan and called for it.
As declarer, always call for the card you wish dummy to play (unless dummy is away from the table or has a disability, making the play of cards difficult).
As declarer, when you lead to a trick, wait for LHO to play his card before calling a card from dummy.
When making a claim, explain your intended line of play clearly.
When the hand has been completed, North should fill in the score on the traveller or Bridgemate quickly. East confirms it is correct.
On Completion of the Play
Do not hold long post-mortems unless you are clearly well ahead of the other tables.
Do not touch other players' cards - ask them to show you.
North handles new boards.
Thank your opponents at the end of the round and move quickly to your new table when requested to do so by the Director. June 2011