[jillybean]

bluejak, on 2011-November-15, 12:58, said:

killybean?

I kinda like it.

[jillybean]

aguahombre, on 2011-November-15, 12:07, said:

I believe it is acceptable literary license to phrase a post in the manner Fluffy did, when it seems as if the OP is in the position being discussed. Whether OP was watching the hand or participating; whether she was North or South; doesn't change the value (if any) of Fluffy's concern.

I agree. You missed the in my reply to Fluffy's post, and omitted it when you quoted me.

[Vampyr]

jillybean, on 2011-November-15, 11:58, said:

Call me odd but I did not do this to start with as some players seem to be annoyed when their CC is picked up and scrutinized and I felt as if I was being rude doing so.

What do they expect you to do with their convention card? Use it as a coaster for your coffee?

[blackshoe]

jillybean, on 2011-November-15, 11:58, said:

I only ask if I need to know, I now tend to look at their CC rather than ask. Call me odd but I did not do this to start with as some players seem to be annoyed when their CC is picked up and scrutinized and I felt as if I was being rude doing so.

I would never have any qualms about looking (at an appropriate time) at opponent's system card. IMO, anyone who calls himself a bridge player who gets annoyed when someone looks at their card does not deserve the name. "Idiot" would be more appropriate.

Today, (last board of the day, in fact), partner opened a club, RHO passed, and I jumped to 2NT. Partner alerted. LHO asked what it meant. Partner allowed she didn't know, but "it's on the card". LHO picked up the card, looking at the front. Partner said "it's on the back" (where competitive agreements are located). Much confusion and discussion between partner, LHO, and RHO(!) ensued. Finally, having received enough UI to sink the Bismarck, I suggested that LHO call the TD and ask him to have partner leave the table so I could explain it. LHO called the TD. No response (it was noisy, one of the TDs was entering scores, the other was cleaning up the kitchen). We called again. RHO left the table to go get him. Partner left the table on her own. The TD showed up. I explained the bid (balanced, 11-12 HCP). Partner and RHO sat down. LHO passed. Partner bid 3♣, passed to me. I had 2 LAs, pass and 3NT. I passed. Partner made 4, and would have made 3NT. <shrug>

I kept hoping partner would just shut up once it became clear she was confused, but she wasn't having any of that.

After the hand she looked at the system card and said "Oh. That only applies after a double". (We play flip-flop after a TO double, so 2NT would be weak with clubs).

[barmar]

jillybean, on 2011-November-15, 11:58, said:

This raises another issue where I think it is difficult for newer players to know what to do. My partner here always asks,
I'm sure out of habit rather than trying to create UI problems.

I suspect novices tend to ask about all alerts because they feel uncomfortable not knowing what's going on. Although if the opponents are playing anything complicated, the answers are likely to confuse them even more (the first time a beginner encounters a relay auction, I'm sure they're overwhelmed).