Levin Bridge Club

In the game of Bridge, ethics and etiquette are essential for ensuring the game is fair, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. Ethics are about honesty and fair play, while etiquette is about how players behave towards one another with courtesy and respect.

The Laws of Bridge set out clear expectations for conduct and etiquette, including:

LAW 74 - CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE

A. Proper Attitude

·         A player should always maintain a courteous attitude.

·         A player should carefully avoid comments or actions that could embarrass, upset, or annoy others and reduce their enjoyment of the game.

·         A player should use correct and consistent procedures when bidding and playing.

B. Etiquette

As a matter of courtesy, a player should avoid the following:

·         not paying proper attention to the game.

·         making unnecessary or distracting comments during the bidding or play.

·         taking a card out before it is their turn to play.

·         deliberately dragging out play when the outcome is near certain, to unsettle an opponent.

·         calling the Director, or speaking to the Director or other players, in a rude or disrespectful way.

C. Violations of Procedure

The following are examples of violations of procedure:

·         using different words or terms for the same call.

·         showing approval or disapproval of a bid or play.

·         suggesting or indicating you expect to win or lose a trick before it is completed.

·         making comments or gestures during the bidding or play that draw attention to an important event or the number of tricks needed for success.

·        staring at another player or their hand in an attempt to see their cards (though players may act on information if an opponent’s card is accidentally exposed).

·          displaying a clear lack of interest in a hand.

·         deliberately changing the usual speed of bidding or play to unsettle an opponent.

·         leaving the table without reason before the play is finished. 

Updated 12/01/2026

Players are encouraged to call the Director for any irregularity in play.

The Director has several roles. They set up how the boards will be played and to ensure that everything runs smoothly as well as clarifying the rules and regulations that govern duplicate bridge.

Their job is not to punish, it is to restore equity to the non-offending side. To the best of their ability, and by their understanding of the laws of duplicate bridge, when something irregular occurs at the bridge table, they resolve each case as equitably as possible to both sides.

Their goal is to see that the non-offenders are not damaged by any irregularity. If damage does occur, and if the damage was directly caused by the irregularity, a director will award an adjusted score. If no damage was caused by the irregularity, or if any damage was self-inflicted, no score adjustment will be awarded, other than mandated by the law.

The laws of Bridge can be quite complicated, so make sure, if things go wrong, you call the director and do not try to sort it out at the table, this may only cause more problems or give unfair advantage. 

Remember a polite Director Please will bring a friendly face and a wealth of knowledge to help your game run smoothly.

Updated 12/1/2026

The club has a no tolerance policy to foster an atmosphere where bridge can be played and enjoyed by all without unpleasantness caused by poor etiquette or bad behaviour. A copy of this policy is displayed on the notice board and is available on the club’s website. 

The club also has a ‘recorder’ whose job it is to handle complaints from members who have other concerns that may detract from the enjoyment of the game.

Updated 12/01/26