ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE
The SA Bridge Association is committed to providing its members with a pleasant, harmonious environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Experienced players should go out of their way to make novice players feel at ease so that they see bridge as a social yet competitive activity.
Bridge enjoys immense popularity partly because of the high standards of ethics and etiquette which are observed by the players who are expected to conduct themselves in a highly civilised manner. Violations of proper etiquette are quite common from inexperienced players, either through ignorance or inadvertence.
Bridge is an extremely ethical game. All good players strive to ensure that their bridge ethics are impeccable and no more serious charge, other than outright cheating, can be made than to accuse a player of bad ethics. Unlike poker in which all sorts of mannerisms, misleading statements and bluff tactics are part and parcel of the game, bridge is played with a ‘poker face’! Beginners are, of course, excused for their lapses and in social games nobody minds very much, but in serious competition, your bridge demeanour must be beyond reproach.
What does all this mean for you?
- If you encounter improper behaviour at the table, you should alert the session/competition director so that appropriate action can be taken.
- A player is not allowed to touch a card held by another player. Even when the game is over, it is illegal to touch the cards of another player.
- After the play of a hand is over, do not take an opponent’s cards and look at them without asking permission.
- During the session, it is extremely poor taste (and a breach of etiquette) to abuse or criticise either your partner or an opponent.
- As a kibitzer (onlooker) only watch one hand and above all, make no facial expressions during a hand. Do not comment or talk during or between hands.
- When you are dummy, it is poor form to look at either opponent’s hand or the Declarer’s. If you do, you lose your rights as dummy. Do not stand behind declarer to see how you would play. In tournament bridge, do not discuss the previous hand with your partner if another hand is still to be played.
- Never let a harsh word pass your lips and you will be a sought-after rather than a shunned partner. Prefer to say too little than too much. If partner has bid or played the hand like an idiot, say ‘bad luck’ and leave it at that. Do not harp on past errors, never try to teach anyone at the table and if players want the benefit of your views, they will ask for them.
- Conversations at the table during a game are generally unwelcome. Post-mortems after each hand, if limited, can be useful if they are constructive. The best way to develop your game with your partner is to keep a hand record and go over ‘problems’ with your partner after the session. This is not only a good thing in that it prevents ‘blaming partner’ at the table (and thus potentially humiliating them publicly), but it improves your communications in bidding.
- When attending any club session ensure that you arrive at least 15 – 20 minutes before the start of play. This will enable the director to determine the most appropriate ‘movement’ based on the number of players at the session. Late arrivals, if allowed to stay, will cause a delay in the start of play.
Extract from the Code of Conduct
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline the minimum standards of conduct required for staff and players of the South Australian Bridge Association (SA Bridge Assoc.) including trainee and visiting players.
General
SA Bridge Assoc encourages a friendly and fair attitude to all its business and provides an environment for bridge players in which all individuals are treated with respect.
A person playing bridge at SA Bridge Assoc. shall:
- conduct themselves at all times in a fair and responsible manner
- refrain from comments or behaviours that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or sexist. In particular, behaviour that constitutes harassment or abuse will not be tolerated by SA Bridge Assoc.
- avoid behaviour that brings SA Bridge Assoc. or the game of bridge into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol and non-medical use of drugs
- at all times adhere to the SA Bridge Assoc.’s operational policies and procedures and to the rules governing any competitions in which the representative participates on behalf of the SA Bridge Assoc.
- not engage in any activity or behaviour that interferes with a competition or with any player’s preparation for a competition, or which endangers the safety of others
Guide on Expected Behaviour
- Welcome the pair arriving at the table in a friendly manner.
- Be a good “host” or “guest” at the table.
- Make your System Card readily available to your opponents and fill it out completely, (a requirement on competition nights).
- Take care of your personal grooming; (dress, smart casual).
- Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off.
- Give credit for good bids or plays (to partner as well as opponents).
- Bid and play a hand at a uniform speed.
- Explain fully, when asked, your partnership bids and any related conventions.
- Move to the next table as soon as possible after the Director calls the move.
- Enjoy the company as well as the game.
- Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, your partner, and your opponents.
- Summon the Director appropriately i.e., “Director Please” NOT “Director”, and accept his ruling at the table
Guide on Unacceptable Behaviour
- General rudeness, insinuation, harassment or intimidation by word, gesture, or posture.
- Openly criticising partner’s or opponent’s bids/plays.
- Talking in a loud voice so that players at adjoining tables can hear the conversation.
- Detaching a card before it is your turn to play.
- Paying insufficient attention to the bid/game in play.
- Objecting to a call for the Director.
- Disputing a Director’s ruling at that time.
- Giving unasked for tuition at the table
Handling Unacceptable Behaviour
- If a player at the table behaves unacceptably, the Director should be called immediately.