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 Stop  Cards are “ear” to stay!

There are just two serious statements I want to make this week. The first is unlike a number of bridge players, I am very much in favour of the use of “Stop” cards, or should I say, the “correct” use of these cards…as many players pay “lip service” to them.(This article, though, is more about the ear than outer parts of the mouth.)

The second very important serious statement is that I think Nelson Market is a fabulous place. Well worth a visit every time one visits the city.

On then to a purchase from a recent rainy walk through this market (don’t let the locals say it is always sunny in Nelson, though in fairness, the sun and the rain did both come out together!)….and here are two exhibits. One is used at the Richmond Bridge Club when one is about to make a jump or skip bid and one is not.

                  

From Nelson Market                                                         a Richmond Stop Card

(for ears and Bridge players)

I would like to put a case for the use of the other ,and once put, I am sure you will all be in favour of the use of “Stop” cards at every session of Bridge, even round the kitchen table.

When you are not playing bridge, this card should be stored very carefully away in your bag, though maybe not in your pocket because if you choose not to take the pins out of the card, the danger to parts of one’s body becomes very obvious! For that reason, pierced ears become a “must” for every bridge player, male or female. A good place to keep your “Stop Card”.

Since every player will want their own card, be careful as you move from table to table. Perhaps pin your personal score card to the card.

At the table, the card is just fabulous and players will be making up weak jump overcalls on four card suits in order to be able to use the cards every round. There are two definite advantages. You can use them as a curt reminder to partner to “please” do not bid any more or else you will be stretching across the table, pins and all. However, you might need to use the pins quickly if they are about to bid out of turn.

However, more importantly, is when your left-hand opponent is a player you do not like. Indeed, before you choose your seat at the beginning of the round, see where such players are sitting before you choose your own seat. If such players sit South, make sure you are sitting East or else you will have to make a “Stop Bid” out of turn.

Your first use of the card can be a gentle warning but if they continue to be unpleasant, then use the card with full force.

 

 At the very least, they will pause for at least 10 seconds, probably many more. Mission doubly accomplished. Opponent will behave from now on …and the correct use of the “Stop Card” will have been achieved. Wonderful. (please, please remember that there were only 2 serious statements allowed in this article. Please!)

In years to come, the cards will be further developed so that they are big enough to substitute for real cards( the opponents will not notice as the A or J is slipped into the play at a crucial time.) For now, a Stop Card, a pair of earrings, a partner reminder and dealing with unpleasant opponents all with one card. Magnificent!

Richard Solomon

 

                                         

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