General Policies: Please be ready to play when the game starts. Enter the score on the traveller or pick-up slip BEFORE entering the result on your private score. Select the opening lead BEFORE entering the contract on your private score. Please do not discuss hands at the table, particularly the results of those just completed. If you had a good result, the opponents are probably aware of it and do not need to hear comments such as “that's a top for us”. Claiming speeds up the game, but please state your claim in clear and definitive terms. Do not make your own rulings at the table – rulings are my job.

Duplicate bridge is a timed event. Starting each round on time and completing in a timely fashion is beneficial and considerate to everyone. We are favored with an electronic time clock at the Bridge Spot so players can be aware of the time remaining in each round. There is a “two-minute warning” each round, at which time boards in play are to be completed. Boards not yet in play, cannot be started after the warning. Late plays will not be given under normal circumstances and any boards not played will be scored with NP. This means each pair will receive a percentage of their game. I reserve the right to assess a procedural penalty for pairs that are consistently late.

I make every effort to treat everyone in my game with respect, regardless of their experience, and I expect the players to treat each other in the same manner. Please make me aware of any rude or inconsiderate behavior.

Allowable Conventions: With prior approval, I allow many non-standard systems and conventions, as I believe that players need an opportunity to experiment with new bidding systems. In accordance with ACBL policy, pre-alerts, explanations and suggested defenses must be available to the opponents upon request. That said, I take a dim view of “destructive” systems and conventions that have creating havoc for the opponents as their main objective. Unusual treatments and conventions are allowed only as constructive bidding tools.

Strata and Seeding: Normally there are three strata in the game. Unless specified by the conditions of contest, I may adjust the masterpoints for each strata on a given night to split the field more evenly and thus allow more players the opportunity to earn points. I endeavor to balance the field, particularly for special events, by spreading the most and least experienced pairs in both directions. That is why reservations (which can be made by clicking here) for special events are appreciated.

Prize Policy: In games of more than ten tables, free plays in the form of refunded entries^* will be awarded to the best score each direction. With two sections I will generally matchpoint across the field to make for a more equitable comparison. In games of ten tables or fewer, the best score overall will receive free plays, again in the form of refunded entries^*.

Snow cancellations: I will almost never cancel the game. It would only be cancelled after heavy snow all afternoon continuing into the evening or very bad icing... I will make every effort to send an email announcing a cancellation. When in doubt, check this website or www.bridgespot.com for any last minute updates. I will also try to update the answering machine at the Bridge Spot 781-791-8888.

^* Standard entry – ACBL fees are not refunded.