Ten Basic Rules of Bridge Etiquette
1. Be nice, smile. No matter how
good or poor you play bridge, you are
an Ambassador for the game. You can drive people away or you can make
them love it. We need people.
2. Don't Gloat. Don't compliment
yourself or your partner on a bid or
the play of the hand until the opponent leaves the table. Also, don't
thank the opponent for a good board or a trick you shouldn't get. This
makes people feel bad and makes you look like a jerk.
3. Don't give lessons to anyone
at the table. If your opponent or
partner wants to know what they did wrong or how to better play or bid a
hand they will ask.
4. Don't tell opponents or winners
how lucky they are. Don't undermine
their successes. You only make yourself look like a poor loser and a
poor sport. Be gracious.
5. Learn not to get offended when
a director is called on you. This is
part of the game. The director is there to protect everyone and
especially the integrity of the game.
6. Keep your voice even and the
gestures consistent when making bids or
playing the hands. Don't snap your cards or make any unusual movements
to get your point across. Be ethical.
7. When on lead against a contract,
LEAD and then write down the contract
on your scorecard. Same thing for dummy, lay your hand down and then
write down the contract.
8. Don't discuss the hands until
the round is over. This takes time like
#7 and it is rude.
9. Help the director. His/Her job
is tough enough without you adding to
their problems.
10. Don't make decisions that the
director should be making, even if you
know the rule.
"If you can't say something nice, Don't say anything at all" - Thumper
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11. Use care with the stop card.
12. Avoid covering posted scores
with your hand at a tournament after a
session.
13. Avoid playing with the bidding
box.
14. If you tank on a singleton,
etc. simply state that you don't have a
problem with this trick.
15. Avoid taking a card out of
your hand before it is your turn.
16. Avoid asking opponents what
a simple bid means after it is NOT
alerted.