[jdonn]

mycroft, on Jan 8 2010, 02:19 PM, said:

If partner is hesitating to tell me something, it's Illegal Communication Between Partners. If he succeeds, that's worse.
If partner is hesitating not to tell me something (but with no demonstrable bridge reason either), it's Prolonging play unnecessarily (and whether the "for the purpose of" clause is an issue, it certainly *will* disconcert the opponents).

In addition, one would have to be very careful to avoid deceiving the opponents in a situation where one has no demonstrable bridge reason to hesitate.

I can't see any situation where you could argue its legality. Proving it, on the other hand...

What if partner is hesitating, not to tell you something, but with a demonstrable bridge reason. He can argue giving you more time to think is a demonstrable bridge reason.

It's actually a weird situation, in that almost everyone agrees it's wrong but I don't think there is anything specifically illegal about it. I completely disagree that you can't argue its legality. Quite the opposite, show me a reason it's not legal.

[hanp]

There is a great story about two Dutch bridge players. Declarer saw a great deceptive play, but feared that if he played quickly the defender would not see the (fake) danger. So, he pretended to think for a long time until he was confident that the defender would see it. Indeed the victim found it and let the contract make.

Legal?

[gnasher]

hanp, on Jan 8 2010, 08:34 PM, said:

There is a great story about two Dutch bridge players. Declarer saw a great deceptive play, but feared that if he played quickly the defender would not see the (fake) danger. So, he pretended to think for a long time until he was confident that the defender would see it. Indeed the victim found it and let the contract make.

Legal?

No. That is attempting to mislead an opponent by means of the haste of a play.

[barmar]

jdonn, on Jan 8 2010, 02:22 PM, said:

What if partner is hesitating, not to tell you something, but with a demonstrable bridge reason. He can argue giving you more time to think is a demonstrable bridge reason.

If you need more time to think, you'll take it at your own turn. He doesn't need to tank during his turn to play, any more than he need to ask a question for your benefit. Although bridge is a partnership game, you're only allowed to help your partner by the bids and cards, not by manner.