Psyches and false cards

by Robin Barker, Bracknell, England

In response to an article on psyching on the newsgroup rec.games.bridge, Paul Barden of London, England, asked:

I can't resist the temptation to digress here: why is it that even catering for the possibility of a psychic bid is frowned upon, while there is complete freedom in reading partner's false cards?

This was Robin Barker's reply:

An important difference between psychic bids and false cards and how they are treated is that (above a certain level) any agreements of the play of cards are allowed.

Established partnerships will know that they will false card in a number of positions (many based on general bridge knowledge). These are part of their (implicit, legal) agreements.

They may be guilty of basing plays of the cards on concealed partnership understanding (e.g. allowing for partner having false carded) but only because they have concealed their agreements. If they fully disclosed their agreements about false carding (beyond what is general bridge knowledge?) they would not contravene L40B.

Proper disclose of false carding is difficult and so players tend not do it at all. Which is why players are better informed as to when partner is likely to false card than opponents.

Editor's note:

• If you want to comment on this article, why not write direct to Robin Barker?
• Or write to Paul Barden?
• They will be pleased to hear from you!

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