Playing the Boards
Ready, Start. When the new boards and right players are at the table and ready, pick up your cards from the lowest numbered board and begin to bid. The clock starts when the boards are passed to the table, so don't talk, dawdle, leave the table, etc. Just pick up your cards and start the bidding with whomever is indicated as the Dealer on the board. Be sure to check the vulnerability of both your pair and your opponents. 7.5 Minutes each. You will have an average of 7 1/2 minutes for each hand -- 15 minutes for a two board round. This is sufficient time to bid and play, but there is no time to talk about the hands between boards. That's not a good idea anyhow, as nearby players at other tables may hear, and it's also against the rules. Just score it up and go to the next board, as you may need all the time you can get during the second or third board for a difficult bidding or play situation. Bid and Play Quietly. Bid and play smoothly and without showing emotion.Don't talk with your partner at a table with opponents; especially do not teach him how to bid or play bridge. It's unfair to opponents as it may intimidate them, and it is disturbing to their train of thought. Maintain an even pace; follow the Alert and other rules; call the director if any irregularity occurs and be quiet.
Mum's the Word. Bridge is a very exciting game mentally, but it should not be loud as others around you have the right to quiet so they may work as hard as you do. In a well run tournament, there may be 1,000 people in a room with so little noise you could talk in a normal tone of voice and be heard all across the room. Confusion and unnecessary noise ruin everyone's enjoyment. Director Calls. If a director call is necessary, by you on against you, place your unplayed cards face down on the table and wait quietly, without talking about the situation. The calling player should hold up his/her convention card and say firmly out loud "DIRECTOR", so the nearest director can hear and see what table is calling. Hold up a convention card - - it's often hard to know who called if there are a lot of people in the room. Wait for the director without talking and follow his directions without unnecessary comment. The player who called is the one who talks to the director - - others will be asked appropriate questions to clarify the situation.
(c) Robert D. McConnell, 1998 All Rights Reserved