Table Manners

The wide level of experience among duplicate bridge players often causes a player to become insensitive to their opponent who may be relatively new to the game and not be familiar with all the rules relating to bidding and play. If we want to keep the new or infrequent player coming to games, we will need to give a little leeway to them when they make a technical error.  As battle hardened competitors, we want everybody to adhere to the rules but let's give a little slack to the new and inexperienced player or one who is an infrequent visitor to our club.  When they have made an infraction, don't just yell "Director".  Quietly and politely advise them that you believe they have made a rules violation. Tell them what it is and say to them, "for your protection and that of the field, I am going to call the Director to explain our options".  If they want to see a card previously played, let them see it while quietly advising them that normally they are not allowed to see them after they are turned over.  If they add commentary to the bidding (unauthorized information), say nothing at the time but after the hand is over, quietly and politely advise them that such extraneous remarks are inappropriate and subject to Director adjustment to the score.  Calmly explain why.  Add an anecdote of your own experiences that helps make the point and explain why this is an important rule.  Above all make them feel welcome, help them enjoy the game, and want to come back.  After all, winning a master point or fraction thereof, at the expense of being an impolite host or representative for the game of duplicate bridge isn't winning at all.