§ ¨ Club News Sheet – No. 2 9/11/2002 © ª


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Manners and Etiquette at our Bridge Club.

I am sure that most members are appalled at the lack of manners shown by various individuals over the last few weeks. I, myself, find it quite amazing that I have to do something like write this note, but here goes: -

First of all, play starts promptly at 2.00 pm. Since I usually have no idea how many tables there will be and I often have to find suitable partners for individuals, it makes life very difficult for me if people arrive bang on time (or even late!). So please be early, especially if you have not arranged a partner.

Secondly, attire. Entering the Soi 4 club (or the Amari!) wearing a string vest or similar attire really is unacceptable. I realise that it makes scratching your armpits easier … but really! If anyone cannot afford a shirt I can probably arrange a collection. The Monday club is a smoking club. The Friday morning Amari club is non-smoking. Full stop. I am fed up with people who want to change either. Luckily, Thai law has stepped in so that I no longer have problems at the Amari. As far as the Monday club is concerned, I will try to accommodate a non-smoker who has asma etc by seating him/her outside, but if this is inconvenient (for the movement or whatever) then tough luck – come to the Friday session.

Now about discussing hands and criticising partner (or opponents). Please keep running commentary to a bare minimum. ‘Well played partner’ or ‘bad luck’ are usually quite adequate. Unless you are a well established partnership or you know that your partner would appreciate your comments, then keep it zipped. Criticising opponents is a no-no. I realise that not everybody plays as (good?) Americans do. Just because people don’t bid the American way, there is no need to criticise them. At our club I am the Dictator – I mean Director. You may bid as you like (within reason), regardless of what an ‘expert’ American says. Just as an aside, isn’t it interesting that 3 out of the top 10 best selling novels in France have an anti-American theme! I wonder why?

There are a couple of members who insist upon talking about every hand. Of course they both believe that they are superior bridge players. Unfortunately, one of them talks garbage 90% of the time and the other 50% of the time. On the one occasion that they partnered each other, the partnership lasted 3 hands before one walked out (the mathematics are such that they are both talking garbage after 3 or so hands). This is really rather pathetic for two ‘adults’. So only comment if you know what you are talking about and even then saying nothing is often better. Chuck and Jeff please note.

Cards (and bidding cards) should be placed on the table and not slapped down in an apparent show of anger (Thorlief). This is cheating (when showing displeasure at some action of partner’s). If two opponents (even if one is American) had asked you not to do this the previous week, then I can only assume that the offender is stupid or wants to cause problems. If his English is not up to reading this note (one reason why we have bidding boxes), then perhaps Alex will translate. Although Alex, always the gentleman (as opposed to those referred to in this note), may choose to tone down my opinions!

If a disagreement occurs at the table or if there is incessant chatter, then call the director and I will try to sort it out amicably. I will no longer tolerate people shouting out insults at one another. Opinions such as ‘you are a rude pig’ may or may not be true, but really should not be shouted out (please, Ian). Any repeat of this appalling behaviour and offending parties will be requested to leave. My patience has run out. A few people (all 4 who seem to be involved in many of the above ‘incidents’) are now ‘on notice’. One such individual (Thorlief) has been involved in a loud argument three weeks running.

Anyway, how about some bridge: -

Responses to a Strong (15-17) NT.

I have been asked to describe Stayma and Jacoby transfers. Here is a very simplistic guideline for strong NT players: -

2♣ - Stayman – when you have one (or two) 4 card majors. 4 card Major

You usually need invitational values to bid Stayman – so 8+ points

So after 1NT, 2♣ promises a 4 card major and asks opener to bid a 4 card major

After 1NT - 2♣ - 2♦ = no 4 card major

2♥ = 4 ♥’s (possibly also 4 ♠’s)

2♠ = 4 ♠’s (denies 4 ♥’s)

When opener has replied to Stayman, responder either bids game,

invites or sometimes goes slamming. Examples: -

1NT - 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT = 8-9 pts, invitational

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - 3♥ = 8-9 pts, invitational (4 ©’s)

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - 2NT = 8-9 pts, invitational (4 ª’s)

1NT - 2♣ - 2♦ - 3NT = 9+ pts

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - 4♥ = 9+ pts, (4 ♥’s)

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - 3NT = 9+ pts, (4 ♠’s)

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥ - 4♣ = 16+pts, asks for aces

2♦/♥ - Transfer – when you have a 5 card major. 5 card Major

You can transfer on any strength (even no points)

After 1NT, 2♦ shows 5 ♥’s and 2♥ shows 5 ♠’s. Opener must complete the transfer

(even if he has just a doubleton) and responder continues as follows: -

With 0-7 points, pass

With 8-9 points, invite

With 9+ points, force to game

With 16+ points, look for slam Examples: -

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - pass = 0-7 pts, 5+ ♥’s

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 2NT = 8-9 pts, invitational 5 ♥’s

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 3♥ = 8-9 pts, invitational, 6+ ♥’s

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 3NT = 9+ pts, opener to pass or bid 4♥

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 4♥ = 9+ pts, opener must pass

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥ - 4♣ = 16+ pts, asking for aces