It has been truthfully said that there is no game in which slight
intimations can convey so much information as that of Bridge. In
justice to those who, by their manner, give information, it may be
stated that most of the apparent unfairness at the Bridge table is
unintentional. Hesitation and mannerisms, however, cannot be too
carefully avoided; such a breach of etiquette is an offence for which
the adversaries have no redress except perhaps a refusal to continue
the play.
It is obviously a greater fault to take advantage of information
thus given. A play in your judgment may be perfectly sound, but you
leave yourself open to criticism if it is in any way contingent on
information obtained from your partner’s manner.
Cultivate uniformity in your style of play; let there be no
remarkable haste or hesitation in making or passing; try always to
use the same formula of words, and do not call attention to the score
after the cards have been dealt.
Remember that any undue hesitancy in regard to doubling will deprive
a fair-minded partner of the privilege of so doing. Such delays are
too frequent at spade declarations.
Emphasise no play of your own and show no pleasure or displeasure at
any other play.
Do not ask to have the cards placed unless it is solely for your own
information.
It is an offence either to revoke purposely or to make a second
revoke in order to conceal the first.
The dealer’s partner should not call attention to the score nor to
any card or cards that he or the other players hold, and neither
should he leave his seat for the purpose of watching his partner’s
play.
When there is an unusual distribution of the cards, no remarks of any
kind should be allowed.
After a hand has been played, it may be discussed to the common
benefit; but the bore who is continually blowing up his partner to
show his superior knowledge, together with the player who interrupts
the game to discuss the play, should be ostracised from the
card-room. Superiority of skill is shown by the play of the cards,
not by mannerisms.
It is often difficult to refrain from showing pleasure at the
accomplishment of a desired purpose, but undue elation is most
aggravating to the adversaries.
Do not make a dig at the adversaries by confiding to your partner
that your success was due to an ill-judged play of the opponent.
It is not good form to complain of poor cards, as you imply that the
adversaries profit by your weak hands and not by their skill.
The better players rarely criticise unless asked to do so; it is
usually the inexperienced player who offers an astonishing amount of
gratuitous and unsought-for advice.
Do not tell your partner, after seeing all the cards, what he should
have done, but think what you would have done in your partner’s
place. Do not criticise at all, but if you must, criticise fairly.