[mycroft]

All I can add to this is that an opponent trying to teach (anything) is *very dangerous*, and questioning someone's ethics at the table - in any way - is *very dangerous*, so as an opponent, at the table, attempting to correct (potential) ethical issues, even with the best intent, and the best possible phrasing, is *extremely dangerous*. This is in general, and not saying anything about any particular person or hand.

I try, at the table, to call the TD and explain, as neutrally as possible, what happened, and then ask her "I'm just wondering if there's anything odd here." Yes, *everybody knows*, due to my status as a TD myself, that there probably is a problem, but I am just as prone to seeing things from a clearly biased perspective as any other player, so, if there isn't, this keeps everything as sane as possible.

Yes, add another comment to the "another option is talk to the TD afterwards." Know, however, that there is pretty much nothing she can do about *what happened* if you come by afterward; just about education for next time. If she's not willing to educate, then...

I tend not to fight these particular fights with these kinds of pairs, though, for the exact reason the OP said (about halfway through) - your round is likely to be 0, 12, 10-; your score overall is going to go down if you don't meet this pair, "interesting" comments or no. The ones I do try to get corrected are the ones that can actually play, but choose to play for the "extra edge".

[bill1157]

JoAnneM, on 2011-August-18, 09:27, said:

I agree with the posters who suggested talking to the director after the game. You might also suggest to the director that he either talk to this offending player privately, or make a general announcement before the next game. Two things not to do is demand that the director take a certain action, or you tell the opps what they have done wrong (especially in front of other players).

Similar things have happened in my club and as a director have used both actions, however since many of our players are "deaf" and ignore my announcements I always talk to the players involved, privately.

We also have one player in our club who acts like the director at the table with both rules and bidding lessons, and she is not well liked as a result. It is an awkward situation because we are friends and regular partners. Any suggestions?

Best is if the player(s) being "taught" can respond with an effective, non-combative response. s(he)-they should let the "teacher" know that s(he)-they aren't that interested in the legal aspect of the game!