Ten Basic Rules of Etiquette
“Be polite to your partner and your opponents... Bridge after all is only a game.”
1. Be nice, smile... No matter how good or poor you play bridge, you are an Ambassador for the game. You can drive people away or you can make them love it.... We need people.
2. Don’t Gloat... Don’t compliment yourselves on a bid or the play of the hand until the opponents leaves the table. Also, don’t thank an opponent for a good board or a trick you shouldn’t get... This makes people feel bad and makes you look like a jerk.
3. Don’t give lessons to anyone at the table... If your opponent or partner wants to know what they did wrong or how to better play or bid a hand they will ask.
4. Don’t tell opponents or winners how lucky they are... Don’t undermine their successes. You only make yourself look like a poor loser and a poor sport... Be gracious.
5. Learn not to get offended when a director is called on you. This is part of the game. The director is there to protect everyone and especially the integrity of the game.
6. Keep your voice even and the gestures consistent when bidding or playing the hands... Don’t snap your cards or make any unusual movements to get your point across... Be ethical.
7. When on lead against a contract, LEAD and then write down the contract on your scorecard... Same thing for dummy, lay your hand down and then write down the contract.
8. Don’t discuss the hands until the round is over... This takes time like #7 and it is rude.
9. Help the director... His/Her job is tough enough without you adding to their problems.
10. Don’t make decisions that the director should be making, even if you know the rule. The number one way we humans learn most things in life, but particularly social behaviour, is by mimicking the behaviour of the more experienced ones.... If this is you, then you are a role model for the newer players.... And, if you feel the need to have a word with someone, always do it one-on-one away from the table, and preferably after play has finished. Maybe say something like “would you mind if I offer a suggestion?””
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