By David Stevenson, Merseyside

When I speak to students and club players, they tell me that a reason they haven't taken the next step to compete in EBU events is that "only nasty aggressive people play in those events, and we're not like that". I know that not everyone is "nasty and aggressive" but I have heard stories of players shouting at Directors when they do not like rulings; players saying unforgivably rude things to their partners; players swearing at opponents and so on.

Even when it is not as bad as that there is a lot of nit-picking, vaguely unfriendly comment, and the like. Please think about the effect of rude or unfriendly behaviour on the others at the table. Their enjoyment of their game of bridge is very likely to be reduced.

In any case, what good does it do? Let us try for a gentler approach! When the Director gives his ruling, he has done his best [and if it is a judgment ruling, then others have been involved in the decision]. When your partner gets the system or the defence wrong he did not mean to! Even if an opponent or a waiter has annoyed you, I am sure it was not deliberate! So try to look on the good side and be generous.