[FM75]

You and your partner (who dreaded the idea of playing live duplicate in a club) move to about the tenth table. You greet your opponents just like the first nine, as recommended by the TD, "Hi. (introduction). This is our first time playing."

Everyone at the first 9 tables has been kind. One pair had an interesting discussion with each other after going down doubled on a convention misunderstanding. One precision pair kindly complimented you after getting set.


Everyone you have met must be retired. You are only there because you had a day off from work, and the club starts play at noon.

Approximate bidding...
1♠ (p) 2♣ (p)
2♠ ...

"Is that forcing?", your partner asks.

"You can't ask that, by RHO" A white-haired lady, playing with another WHL. You can see tears welling in partner's eyes.

What is your response?

[Vampyr]

I would say "give him a break, it's his first duplicate" and say to partner "it's OK, you just need to wait until your turn". I mean, you could call the director, but the opponent made a fair (albeit lacking courtesy and compassion) comment, so there is not much he will be able to do.

[Antrax]

As I understood it, the question came from the 2♣ bidder.

[Vampyr]

Delete please

[Vampyr]

Ah, right. How about a comment to the opponent along the lines of "It was a nice try, though".

[Antrax]

"Dear, you're not allowed to ask that. Do you best and don't worry about it".
As an opponent I wouldn't mind (I have to put up with much worse from experienced players), but I don't mind an opponent minding.

[gwnn]

I would say "you can't ask that" too as your opp, although as friendlily as possible. If your partner almost cries from this, maybe it's not entirely your opp's fault. But as to your question, I would try to make clear that my opp is right and to calm down my p at the same time. Antrax's formulation seems nice.

[Zelandakh]

"I'll tell you after the hand. Just do your best for now. And relax, this is just for fun!"

[helene_t]

No reason to be rude to opps. They are right, after all, and they might have interpretted "first time playing" as "first time playing together".

Just tell partner that it is true that she can't ask her partner any questions, but of course, above all try to calm her down.

[Free]

Under no circumstance answer the question or attack your opponents. After all, they're right, it's not allowed, and if respond to the question they can call the TD and make a good case.

Calling the TD yourself is useless, your RHO is right.

Just smile to the WHL (tilting your head slightly) and apologize with the argument that it's your partner's first time and he probably doesn't know this yet, but that you both will try to keep that in mind. Tell partner the truth, that it's indeed not allowed to ask that, and that you'll discuss this auction after the hand. Also make partner comfortable by telling that the result doesn't matter much for example.