bridgetalk.com forums :: Laws & Rulings

Ben Cowling

Ethics ( 12:32:53 MonMar 3 2003 )

Hi

I have just posted a hand where there seems to be UI. I think that the information I gave should be sufficient, but I was upset by other things relating to the same round:

Firstly, in the board I described, North opened 1

, and alerted her partner's jump to 4

. Now, while alerting that bid, North was looking directly at her partner's face, the whole time. Anyway, noticing her stare, I looked at South (the 4

bidder), and his body language was definitely saying that she shouldn't have been alerting. He sat back, with a confused look on his face.

To me this action, of watching your partner's face while you alert, seems completely unethical, although I won't mention the "c" word - i suppose in her defence, she could argue that she wants to get as much UI as possible, so as to be as ethical as possible about not taking advantage of it. However, even if this kind of thing is unethical, i can't see what can be done about it. It was my word against their word when i mentioned it to the director, and he believed them.

After this board, we still had to play three more boards against the same pair, and they were pretty rude to us from then on. It seemed they were annoyed that I had called the director, and thought I was accusing them of cheating. North, in particular, wouldn't stop glaring at me, which I found very off-putting. Again, even if this kind of thing is unethical, i can't see what can be done about it (although is this related to "Zero Tolerance" in the ACBL?)

In any case, I shrugged it off and carried on with the session - but was horrified, and very disappointed, when it transpired that this pair were the winners over the 90 board tournament!

I wasn't going to mention the names of the pair in question. I will just comment that I am a Regional Master, and was playing in a national tournament in Coventry, UK, this past weekend.

Ben Cowling

bluejak

427 posts
Forum Host

Reply

Re: Ethics ( 17:41:06 MonMar 3 2003 )

The players have no right to treat you discourteously. If it happens again, just call the TD again - and if necessary again. Just because the TD could not do anything the first time does not mean he will not do something when there is a second happening. :sad:

As a general comment it is notable in England that top players are ethical and courteous in general, and such bad behavious as exists is generally amongst above-average players that below the top. All I mean by this is that as you move up the ranks you will probably find the behaviour improves in the Ranked masters weekend. :smile:

---
David Stevenson <laws2@blakjak.com>
Liverpool, England, UK
http://blakjak.com/lws_menu.htm

Frances Hinden

Re: Ethics ( 13:49:38 ThuMar 6 2003 )

Country: UK

I STRONGLY object to your posting. You are very rude about a pair in a forum where they may not be able to defend themselves, then say all self-righteously 'I'm not going to give their names' before telling us exactly what the event was, and where that pair came in the event. It's not exactly rocket science to work out who they are.

It's one thing to discuss rulings, and to ask for guidance on standards of behaviour. It's another to complain about the behaviour of identifiable people who may not read this forum.

bluejak

427 posts
Forum Host

Reply

Re: Ethics ( 00:09:10 FriMar 7 2003 )

I agree with you in one way, Frances, and I ask that in future people do not post complaints about anyone in a way that is identifiable.

But it is a pity you pointed it out, because that made it more obvious, which is why I did not!

I understand someone identified them further which is not acceptable.

Please, everyone, take note: Complaining about other people is part of bridge, so feel free to do so. Please do not make such people identifiable in htis forum.

---
David Stevenson <laws2@blakjak.com>
Liverpool, England, UK
http://blakjak.com/lws_menu.htm

Guest

Re: Ethics ( 11:07:51 FriMar 7 2003 )

Hello.

I was just pasing yesterday and saw this post. It amused me.

I clicked on the link and the scores were revealed.

"Them" at the top and Ben in the basement.

it looked like that age old problem. If you are in with a chance of winning, each mistake of partners is a twist in your gut and you can't help it showing.

I don't think letting on who they were did any harm to the winners ~ good luck to them. You don't play 90 boards of bridge and win by squiggling and squirming

:guffaw:

Well done winners!

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International Bridge Laws Forum

If you need help with the Laws or rulings from
any country in the world, this is the place!

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International Bridge Laws Forum

If you need help with the Laws or rulings from any country in the world, this is the place!Hosted by David StevensonSenior Consultant DirectorEnglish Bridge Union

If you need help with the Laws or rulings from
any country in the world, this is the place!

Hosted by David Stevenson
Senior Consultant Director
English Bridge Union