Courtesy & Table Manners - 'Caymankind'
“If you can’t say something nice, DON’T say anything at all” – Thumper (and my mother)
“If you can’t say something nice, DON’T say anything at all” – Thumper (and my mother)
If you're in the Cayman Islands, you will have heard of the phrase 'Caymankind' and we encourage our players to promote high standards of bridge etiquette, using 'Caymankind'. Remember - we were all beginners once!
The rules of etiquette are based on good common sense. The following summarises the principal areas of etiquette that are expected to be observed at the bridge table.
Courtesy… This is probably the Golden Rule
Always be courteous at the bridge table. This applies to how we relate to partner, opponents and the Director. Carefully avoid any remark or action that might cause embarrassment to any other player – or which might interfere with their enjoyment of the game. It is always good practice to greet your new opponents at the table. The Director should always be called in a courteous manner, using “please” and be mindful of the tone in your voice assists in this courtesy. At the end of a round it is courteous to thank your opponents before moving on to the next table.
Conversation at the Table
Once bidding has commenced further general conversation is not encouraged. Bridge is a competitive game and we all need to respect the rights of other players. Before the first board begins it is certainly polite & courteous to exchange pleasantries with partner and the opponents.
Table Manners ….
The following represents good practice at the bridge table:
√ Cards should not be taken out of the board before all players are at the table.
√ Before you look at your cards count your hand and ensure that you have exactly thirteen cards.
√ The board should be left on the table during the bidding and play of the hand so everyone can see the vulnerability.
√ During bidding do not touch your bidding box cards until you have decided what to bid, hesitation gives an unfair signal of your thoughts.
√ During play you are not allowed, without permission, to touch or handle your opponent’s cards. If necessary, ask your opponent to show you a particular card.
√ During play do not actively try to deceive opponents (or encourage/ discourage our partners) through facial expressions or body language
√ At the end of a hand ensure that you do not mix up your cards until the result is agreed with the opponents. Then, shuffle the cards before replacing in the board.
If you want to read more, here is the link to the English Bridge Union's full guidelines
