PC world
Susanna Gross It's been a year since the English Bridge Union launched its BB@B (Better Behaviour at Bridge) campaign. I'm not sure how many players actually call their club's director over to penalise opponents for being rude, but the mere existence of the campaign has acted as a deterrent. It has been made clear that offensive remarks — whether to partner, opponents or club officials — are always unaccept- able. Rudeness can take other forms, however, and the EBU is also spot-on to warn against 'gloating in the form of over- praising partner'. Sometimes even the mildest praise can be horribly tactless, especially if you've just lost a big rubber. One player at my club makes a regular habit, as he tots up his winnings, of saying 'Very nice, partner'. I practically choke each time he says it. Worst of all is when declarer bamboozles you into letting a contract through: I can live with a quiet 'well played' from his partner, but not with an outburst of crowing. Such was my humilation when defending this slam against Brian Senior: N/S vulnerable Dealer South
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