Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-16
The Listeners

Whenever a pair of rabid bugs collide
upon the street,
There follows a kind of futile game that
no man born can beat.
One argues about tricky hand he played
some time last year,
The other just mods and let's him talk,
but never tries to hear.
And then when he ends his tale OF skill
he tries to seem not bored
While waiting to let his rival rave, for
now his OK is gored.
Each thinks he has taught his friend as
much as fills a five-foot shelf
But neither has learned thing unless
he listened to h: self.
To guard the peace that riot mould disturb
Let active lars apply the needtul curb,
49, HE quotation from Covper select
ed by George M. Hosaek TO bead his
dissertation the enforcement OF
the bridge laws which had been re-
quested from him for the readers OF
this page. That prominent Pitts
buYgh attorney has given more study to the
laws of bridge than any one else in the coul-
try, and for years has worked constantly TO get
players to observe and tnforce them Inc
game owes him q heavy debt, for he has
helped tremendously in spreading the idea that
those who do not follow the laws are not play
ing the game.
Ne believes every player should know the
Foreword to the laws: The real object OF the
laws is to define the correct procedure and 10
provide for situations which occur when
PLAYER through carelessness gains an uninten-
tjonal but nevertheless an unfair advantage.
An offending player should earnestly desire 70
pay the full penalty and thus atone for ms
mistake"
ANY thinking bridge player will agree with
all Mr. Hosack says in the following
player who either is ignorant OF the laws
of bridge or knowing them, defles them, is
said TO play "bumbepuppy' game. a pre-
requisite to participation with pleasure and
profit in any game is a thorough understand
ing of its laws.
Richard Seymour author Of The Compleat
C;auester' almost zoe years ago, speaking OF the
laws Of whist, the great-grandfather OF con-
tract said: Before the parties begin TO play,
it Is highly necessary that they should know
by what laws they are to be governed, IN oroer
TO prevent their committing any errors or mis-
takes which might tend to their prejudice in
the course Of the game.
One may be familiar with the conventions
of bidding and be proficient in the play OF .
hand but he is not good bridge player un-
less he is familiar with at least the most i'm
poFtant laws of the game. These laws are
embodied in codes adopted and approved by
the whist, Club New York The contract
code became effective September Is. 1927, the
auction code April 5, 1926. NO amend
nents have been made to these laws.
These laws are not arbitrarily promulgated
by the Whist Club. Its Gard Committee re-
ceives Suggestions and assistance from such
bodies as the American Whist League the
Knickerbocker Whist Club, the Racquet and
Tennis Club Ia New York and eminent writers
and teachers OF bridge The codes thus agreed
upon become the laws governing the play Of
contract and auction in the United States. II
any question arises as to the proper interpre-
tation Of any of its laws, its Gard Committee
il the supreme court and its decision final
Gnd binding upon every player.
The tyTo in bridge-and many wfso hAys
advanced beyond that stage but have neg
Iected the study OF this important subject
should at once familiariSe himself with the
laws upon new deal, insufficient bid, bid or
double out OF turn pass out of turn, changing
cards leads out of turn revokes, etc and, last
but not least, ethics and etiquette.
A player who tries to enforce the laws and
IL willing to pay the penalty for any error he
may commit may sometimes find he is as
popular at the card table cat in a canary
show Some players become offended II an
attempt is made to enforce a law. Some
so ignorant they think it an oIense against
etiquette to enforce Law against them They
should not attempt to play the game.
player is never guilty of an offense against
etiquette for enforcing his legal rights when
done in proper manner
KnOH the rules fconoeHtioHsJ and Inhea to
break them,
kn0a1 the Lalps and meier torsake hem-