To the Editor of the "Nowrn-Ciuna Dany News"
Sin—Now that the Jong summer evenings are here one has lots of opportunity to play a game of Bridge. Tt ought to be a restful and pleasant way of spending one's time, but very) often, is just the reverse. I am considered, on the average, 2 good player, and am. extremely fond of Bridge, "No one, however, is. infalble, not even the smartest exponents fof the game. I make a mistake oc~ sionally the same as anyone else does, 'What I wish to write about today'
the regrettable tack of good manners at the Bridge table. Why it that so many people think they have a right {o voice their opinions about a fellow player, quite regardless of the fact that the player did Jnot ask for them Is it because of the. stake, do you think? Partner-Josing-critic's-money sort of feeling? T know many people who constantly criticize, and they have a smug way of shielding themselves, by sayins—"ws only ftlendly criticism." These people are quite wrong. They ruin! {he game for others. Criticism of one's partners play, unless it is asked for, is in extremely bad taste, If a fruit has been committed, the one who is guilty of it is quite aware the fact, and having it thrown irr his face docs not make matters any eller. "He is conscious also of hav~ ing lost the other man's money for him, this adds to his discomfort, He apologises, "Friendly. criticism" is] now introduced. The unmistakable note of irritability In the voice of the self-appointed judge does nothing to ease the discomfiture of the miscreant, I have noticed that many of the players, who adopt this dictatorial attitude, are those who really, it they had any sense, would realize, that they would do better to keep) quiet, Exasperation is more apparent their voices, than the kindness} they claim they feel. Does it not} occur to these people, that every] ployer has a right to his own views! fon the game, and a right to be al-Towed to enjoy it? One may, by! making a mistake, loose the partner fame money, but one loses one's own fat the same time. Partners too often forget that point, their end is the! only one of any importance.
T think that Mr, Culbertson, and the other Teaders of the game of Bridge, might do well to inaugurate] Jo system of courtesy (compulsory) {to be observed by players. A pamphlet should be issued, entitled ~Eti-Quelte at the Bridge' Table" (Does Jand Don'ts for those wishing to make Bridge four). It is sadly needed. It people do not know instinctively, that it is bad. form to make others uncomfortable, the little book would not only teach them manners, but would prevent their playing and {polling © delightful game for lack of them,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.