Director,
pleaseDirector,
pleaseQuestion (from the U.S.): I'm a relatively new player, with about 2 1/2 years of experience. I try to count and figure out distributions, and I need time to pause and think (frequently) during the hand. What was the significance of pard's signals? The spot card played? Etc.
At this point in my bridge experience, I'm not able to count and think quickly. For someone to say, "Too bad. I want to win, and I'll call the Director if you pause," means that one cannot improve because one is not given the chance to think during the game.
I'm not trying to mislead anyone. I just need to think about what's going on as the play unfolds. I'm wondering if it's permissible for me to do the following: Detach my card and play it, but tell declarer I want time to think. I would leave the card face down until I was ready to go on to the next trick. Alternatively, I could just take 9 seconds to play every single card, so as not to be accused of playing out of tempo. This may be annoying, but players need time to think and improve.
For someone to tell me, "You must play within a couple of seconds at all times" seems like saying "New players should not bother playing bridge because the directors will just penalize them, to the benefit of the established players".
Stevenson: Detaching your card and putting it face down on the table is a very good method because it will not mislead declarer. You can do it anytime you are certain to play that card. You must, of course, not change your card then. After all, you are announcing that you are not thinking about that trick. Alternatively, you can say, "I am not thinking about this trick" or something similar.
Sadly, you will get one or two complaints about the procedure. Some players, regrettably, complain about anything that is not done exactly as they do it. Just tell them that you have been advised to do this.
I think that you are not understanding the problem for the better players with your comments about wanting to win. Certainly there are a few players out there who have an unfortunate lack of manners or ethics, but the majority just want a fair game -- and if you mislead them, then they have not got a fair game and they have every reason to complain.
Your alternative suggestion of nine seconds for every card is not acceptable either. It is just too long, so you are delaying the game unnecessarily, which is both discourteous and illegal.
What you want to do is to play your own game, without being unnecessarily rushed, but without misleading opponents. Your first idea of a disclaimer, or putting the card face down, is far better.
Do you have questions about bridge laws, a ruling you received (or made) at a tournament or club game, how to handle an ethical dilemma? David, who is very knowledgeable on North American bridge, will explain laws and proprieties, share opinions on specific cases and offer advice on any aspect of game direction. You can submit questions on his web form or by email to laws2@blakjak.com . In your message, include a note that you're an Advocate reader from the U.S.
David maintains an archive of articles on laws and proprieties on his web site: http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/lws_menu.htm