Dummy using their mobile phone!
I was playing today and the opponents bid 3NT to secure the contract. Absolutely fair enough, but as soon as dummy laid down their hand they immediately picked up their mobile phone and started texting/emailing. It was a secure contract, I can’t argue with that, but I found the opponents complete dismissal of any further interest in the play distracting. If she’d picked up a book and started reading it I think I’d have felt the same!
I have never experienced such behaviour before and I’m just wondering, had I’d been directing what I should have said?
Thanks to anyone who can advise.
Comments
The issue with texting is that it’s two-way communication.
Law 74A2: "A player should carefully avoid any remark or extraneous action that might cause annoyance or embarrassment to another player or might interfere with the enjoyment of the game."
Law 74B1: "(As a matter of courtesy a player should refrain from:) paying insufficient attention to the game.
WB2.8.2 jj: "Not paying attention as dummy (reading, texting etc.)"
WB1.5.1(BB@B): "Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off."
That seems clear enough.
I would warn for a first offence, including a statement along the lines of "How can you possibly think this is acceptable?" DP thereafter.
Thanks to both.
Amazed that there is so much in the Laws and White book which is relevant to the situation and most impressed that Jeremy could find and quote them!
We once had a player who was watching a cricket Test match on his phone with his headphones on while playing!
When questioned he said he didn’t find it distracting!
Well, cricket can easily fade into the background, he probably wasn't finding it a problem. Other players can also find it distracting, of course. And the potential for two way communication, or just having notes on the phone, is all a bit too problematic.
I'm not sure in my own mind what constitutes "insufficient attention" if you're dummy, it's not as if you're actively participating in the play. You need to be alert enough to play the correct cards when partner calls for them, at least.