Contract Reminder
We use the Jannersten bidding boxes. Several members have a habit of tipping to one side the card in the box of the final contract as a reminder to themselves of what the final contract was/is. Last night a member suggested to me that this was ‘against the rules’. I have never seen or read any such rule anywhere prohibiting this but I have to admit that I might not be up to date with the latest white/blue books. Does doing this contradict the rules and if so why would it – who does it harm?
Comments
L40 B2(d) Unless the Regulating Authority provides
otherwise a player is not entitled to any aids to
his memory, calculation or technique during the
auction period and play.
However, L41 C says:
C. Opening Lead Faced
Following this Clarification Period, the opening lead is faced,
the play period begins irrevocably, and dummy’s hand is
spread (but see Law 54A for a faced opening lead out of
turn). After it is too late to have previous calls restated (see
B), declarer or either defender, at his own11 turn to play, is
entitled to be informed as to what the contract is and
whether, but not by whom, it was doubled or redoubled.
So in principle they are not allowed to use the bidding card as an aide memoire but they can ask what the contract is whenever it is their turn to call.
Thanks Gordon but . . .
Surely the over-riding principle behind all rules is fairness and if it is deemed fair that . . . . . at his own turn to play (a player) is entitled to be informed as to what the contract is how can it be unfair to anyone at the table if a player leaves the final contract bidding card open to view by all others. Surely that is just another way of doing that same thing?
There is ‘the letter of the law’ – the strict, literal interpretation of a rule's exact wording and there is the reason (or spirit) of the law, the underlying intent, purpose, or goal of the legislation. Surely the intent (fairness) of the law overrides the simple letter of the law?
No. If for no other reason than people will have different views as to what the intent of the law is. All we have to go on is what is written down as the Laws and Regulations.
I'm trying to think of what an 'aid to memory' might look like and what I have seen in my Bridge life that might fit that description and the only thing I can think of is the System Card (which is covered 40(b2b) and those 'crib' sheets used by beginners . . . . . so do I take it that 40B2D means that beginners can't use their Crib sheets (not very encouraging to beginners!!)
Pont - I understand your views about beginners using crib sheets, but I use the comparison with swimming. At some stage you have to get rid of your water wings and jump in.
Some clubs have supervised play sessions as an interim between lessons, and normal duplicate sessions, but if your club doesn't then I appreciate it's difficult.
Using crib sheets slows the game down significantly while the beginners find the appropriate section.
I would suggest that the beginners play with a sympathetic partner who is prepared to a) let the opponents know their partner is inexperienced, and b) go through the hands with them afterwards.
Pont, you need to get your Regulating Authority to provide otherwise. That can be your local club, as well as the EBU. For example, the EBU itself, in Blue Book 9A1, very sensibly allows consulting of one's own System Card for online bridge. Your local club could regulate that tilting a bidding card to indicate a contract is ok. Might you also wish to tilt a Double card if doubled? BCL and (I believe also) other online platforms display the contract on the screen during play.
Barrie Partridge - CTD for Bridge Club Live
Thanks for all the helpful replies . . . . . I presumed that 'the Regulating Authority' was the EBU, if 'the Regulating Authority; can be the Club (Club Committee) . . . . . problem solved.