Bridge is a very challenging and competitive game.  That's why most of us like it so much.  But as an added bonus playing the game also affords the opportunity, particularly at the club level, to socialize with and enjoy the company of friends and acquaintenances.  

Unfortunately some behaviors, particularly if habitual, can spoil the social aspect of playing bridge.  The ACBL has formulated what they have termed a Zero Tolerance ("ZT") policy, the prupose of which is to keep bridge free of those behaviours.  All players re required to adhere to ZT policy at any ACBL-sanctioned event.  Violators of ZT are subject to disciplinary action.

Let's first cover the positive behaviors promoted by ZT:

• Be a good host and a good guest at each table
• Greet opponents in a friendly manner - smile!
• Offer genuine praise of opponents' good bidding and or play
• Offer encouragement to less experienced and less skilled players
• Have two clearly completed and identical convention cards available to opponents.  If you're playing with a new partner check with the Director for pre-filled, "convention" free convention cards.

And here are some of the behaviors that must be avoided:

• Offering gratuitous or unsolicited advice or criticism, direct or implied, of opponents' OR partner's bidding or play
• Asking questions about opponents' bidding if the answers will not affect your bidding or play
• Badgering, insinuating or intimidating language
• Using profane language
• Arguing with a Director's ruling
• Gloating or pouting over a result
• Snapping cards or exhibiting any other behavior to indicate displeasure with anyone at the table
• Calling Director in an aggressive or accusatory tone
• "Self-directing" - the Director should be called whenever any irregularity occurs
• Accusing an opponent of cheating (such offenders may be subject to expulsion) 

In other words...compete, but be nice, have fun and help others have fun too!

If you feel an opponent is behaving in a manner that violates ZT principles, please inform the Director as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.