[diana_eva]

OP reports an issue on the web version. Everything Mr Ace and subsequent replies say is correct for the older version, but not relevant for this case.

I agree that using a harsh word as "cheating" is exaggerate, but this all comes down to a suggestion to change how claim works on the web version.

[pooltuna]

IMO the claim button is not used enough!!! So I would object to any changes that limit when you can claim.

[barmar]

nige1, on 2011-November-02, 16:07, said:

Another problem with on-line claim law is the "fishing-expedition". For instance, only ♠ are left and an unscrupulous declarer claims with ♠ AJx opposite ♠ KTx, hoping for a "tell" from a gullible defender with the ♠Q. I suppose that this could also be remedied with a director-call and a large disciplinary penalty for the offender. However, I believe that players on-line quickly become aware of the danger of falling for this ploy.

What kind of "tell" would there be on-line? You can't see the players' reactions. When you claim, they both get to see all hands, so both of them can tell that you don't know which way to finesse. And you also can't tell which of them refused the claim.

You seem to be thinking of the f2f coup with A9x opposite KJT, where you lead the J from hand and look for a hitch from LHO to tell if he was thinking of covering.

[nige1]

barmar, on 2011-November-03, 13:13, said:

What kind of "tell" would there be on-line? You can't see the players' reactions. When you claim, they both get to see all hands, so both of them can tell that you don't know which way to finesse. And you also can't tell which of them refused the claim. You seem to be thinking of the f2f coup with A9x opposite KJT, where you lead the J from hand and look for a hitch from LHO to tell if he was thinking of covering.

Barmar is right -- I was extrapolating to face-to-face claim-law. f2f claim-law is complex. Directors differ over its interpretation. It deters players from claiming. Because of all the palaver, directors, too, admit they're reluctant to claim. The game would be faster, fairer, and more fun if f2f bridge adopted the simpler on-line claim-rule. Unfortunately, f2f, the possibility of a "fishing-expedition" is a perceived danger and could be a stumbling block to the progress of such a suggestion.

[Bbradley62]

nige1, on 2011-November-02, 16:07, said:

I suppose that this could also be remedied with a director-call and a large disciplinary penalty for the offender.

barmar, on 2011-November-03, 13:13, said:

What kind of "tell" would there be on-line? You can't see the players' reactions. When you claim, they both get to see all hands, so both of them can tell that you don't know which way to finesse. And you also can't tell which of them refused the claim.

Btw... OP was reporting an incident from the MBC, where there is no director.