BRIDGE NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18845, 7 April 1931, Page 7

BRIDGE NOTES.

(Specially Written for the “Timaru Herald,” by William Shackle). Now that Easter is past, a number of us will be settling down to Bridge much more seriously than we do during the summer months, when most of us only play occasionally. For this reason, it is a good time to consider the question of how to get full enjoyment out of every game one plays. It is my considered opinion that the more one keeps to the rules, the less bickering is usect, the fewer post-mortems and the more enjoyment results. Indeed, it is surprising to find that in certain clubs rules are either altered or allowed to lapse as the case may be, though Bridge is a world wide game and when one leaves one’s own little clique one will have to learn to play according to world rules. Again, quite a number of players play their own rules at home, though these same people know and respect the rules when playing at their Club. Imagine for one moment a game of Rugby or cricket without somebody to whom to refer, as referee or umpire. Yet there is no judge during a gams of Bridge—other than the book of rules. Players of out-door games are as conscientious of rules and as sporting as those who play in-door games, but they realise that rules are made for the benefit of the game and in order to enhance its enjoyment, and therefore they carry them out both in the spirit and to the letter. The more strictly a game is played, the less ■ iction is caused, discussions lead to heat so often and thus one’s evening’s pleasure is completely spoiled by an incident that would never have happened if all had adhered to the rules. There are, of course, some things that cannot be legislated against—against such there is the etiquette of the game, which it is even worse form to treat lightly, as one cannot be penalised, oy the score, for so doing. By etiquette, I mean such things as: (a) “I will try a Spade.” (b) “I must take you out partner, 2 clubs.” (c) Taking a longer time than is necessary to either bid or to play a card. This gives information to one’s partner, and it shows that one has an alternative bid or card and this very fact may be really useful to the partner. A book of the laws of Bridge is an essential to every club or home where Bridge is played. One can be obtained from most of the leading booksellers, or if 1/9 is sent to me, I will post a copy, as confirmed by the Portland Club, London in 1928. The following rules seem to be the least understood, so if any reader does not know the full answer I feel sure that he will consider the 1/9 well spent, if he procures a copy of rules. (1) Calling out of turn. (2.) Redouble—bidding after. (3) Dummy’s rights. (4) Revoke penalties. May I suggest a Bridge room motto for this winter: “The rules —the whole rules —and nothing but the rules.” Kindly address any correspondence to me, c/o Box 362, Christchurch.