November 2024 - 6

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" Director, please "
One of the most common types of correspondence that ACBL staff receives
concerns the rules of the game. These types of letters
and emails are forwarded to the excellent staff of the
Ruling the Game column that appears in each issue of
the magazine. An alarming number of these letters,
however, are from club players upset about a dispute
that occurred at the table, but where the director was
never summoned.
Club games often have informal or casual atmoPAUL
LINXWILER
editor@acbl.org
spheres, ones where a friendly and respectful vibe is
prized. Necessary even. Yet the desire to not make a fuss
when something contrary to the rules happens often
leads folks to make their own rulings at the table rather
than call the director. Oddly, it's often the case that this
makes matters worse because it's easy for a player to
later feel that they've been taken advantage of.
I've lost count of the number of email exchanges I've
had with members that go something like this:
" At the local club, I revoked about halfway through the deal. It didn't hurt
declarer. How many tricks should declarer get because of this? "
" Did you call the director? "
" No. But is it a one-trick or two-trick penalty? "
" Wait. Why didn't you call the director?! "
" It's rude, and it takes too long. Anyway, how many tricks? "
Trying to convince players like this that the real problem is the failure to let
the director handle the situation is more than just irritating - it's a waste of
time because I don't know the facts of the case. And even when the complainer
does provide facts, you don't get to hear from the other side, so relevant details
can get omitted. Who would know all of the relevant facts? The director.
We all know that some players consider calling the director to be rude. But
this is wrong. It's necessary, it protects everyone's interests, and it's often the
least contentious approach to handling a problem. Even when everyone at the
table knows the proper procedure, they should allow the official to do their job.
But if you're one of those who feels that calling the director is socially aggressive
in a club setting, try this the next time an irregularity occurs at your table.
Start by telling everyone at the table something like, " I think we need to call the
director to fix this. " Next, calmly raise your hand and say, " Director, please. "
When the director arrives, keep it simple and direct. Avoid accusations. Say
things such as, " I think the East hand revoked during the play. Can we check? "
Or, " We seem to have an insufficient bid here, " gesturing at the bidding cards
on the table. Even tempo breaks can be handled diplomatically with lines such
as, " I feel that the North player took a very long time to pass. In case it matters
later, I'd like to have you aware of this now. "
Finally, whatever the director decides, respect the ruling and move on. And it
doesn't hurt to thank the director.
Don't make rulings at the table, and don't allow others to do so. Make a habit
of calling the director. 2
6 | Bridge Bulletin | November 2024
EDITOR
Paul Linxwiler
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Chip Dombrowski
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Amy Casanova
GRAPHIC DESIGN / LAYOUT
Liza Frisbie
Lisa Jackson
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November 2024

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