1. Be nice, smile… No matter how well or poorly 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 leave 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. 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.

5. 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. 

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 or enter the information on the Bridgemate … same thing for dummy, lay your hand down and then write down the contract or attend to the Bridgemate.

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 problem.

10. Don’t make decisions that the director should be making, even if you know the rule.

Roger Wilson and David De Jonge were the winners of the Helen Cantwell Novice Pairs for 2023. They are pictured with club president, John Haylock.