Proper conditions of Play
I seek clarification of the phrase “proper conditions of play”, which occurs in Law 7:
LAW 7 - CONTROL OF BOARD AND CARDS
- Responsibility for Procedures
Any contestant remaining at a table throughout a session is primarily responsible for maintaining proper conditions of play at the table.
I have observed Law 7D being cited in many different situations. I give my thoughts, but I am keen to hear what others think.
First, “Conditions of Play” that I think are not covered by this Law:
- Environmental factors: room temperature; sunlight in a player’s eyes; coffee spill on the table; etc.
- Player’s temperament: player being overly loud; player criticising their partner; greeting of players to the table; etc.
Second, what Law 7D may well cover:
- Placement of the board (in the centre of the table).
- Orientation of the board (North cards closest to the North seat).
iii. Placement of the bidding pad (beside the board, with a clean page ready for use).
And lastly, the interpretations that I have come across that I have some doubts over. Law 7D has been used as a “catch-all” law that places the onus on the stationary pair for anything that goes wrong with the boards being played.
- The wrong board(s) played.
I don’t think Law 7D applies.; Law 15 - Play of a wrong board, covers this situation. There is no cross reference from Law 15 to Law 7. - Unplayed hand being displayed on the tablet.
iii. Contract / results entered for the wrong board.
Neither of these last two are related to “control of boards and cards”. I have seen the onus for the correct use of the tablets being put on the North South pair.
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