All is fair in love and war, but some things just aren’t okay at the bridge table.
The longer you have been an active bridge player, the weirder things you might see. Even if you and your partner are well-behaved and polite players, it’s an inevitable Wheel Of Fortune’s spin that guarantees you will eventually run into someone who isn’t.
Report inappropriate behaviour and abuse (online or offline) within bridge as soon as you see it. It’s the best way to ensure the game is kept clean (and to boot any rule-abusers).
Many users have asked exactly what type of behaviour they should be clicking on the [email protected] email address for.
Here’s a look at bridge behaviours you should always report.
1: Inappropriate IMs
Inappropriate can mean different things, including:
- Rude or insulting,
- Lying or misleading,
- Creepy or unsettling, ploite
- Spam or bots,
- Advertising or links,
- Threatening or scary,
- Continual after blocking a user.
Report any IM or message that matches the above. The IM function is meant to keep bridge players talking to one another, but there are very clear rules (and administrators can see all messages sent).
2: Sockpuppeting
The term “sockpuppeting” is actually very basic in nature.
What it means is creating multiple accounts when the primary one has been banned (or otherwise limited) for abusive behaviour before.
Within bridge, it can also refer to the technique of self-kibitzing where players view their own game (for sight of all table hands).
Report any multiple bridge accounts on playing platforms that don’t make practical sense, especially if you remember why their first account was booted or reported.
3: Image Violations
If you wouldn’t show an image to the majority of your family members on a big screen right this second, it probably doesn’t belong on the forum (or in an IM) for BBO.
I’m sure that most readers will already have a clear idea of what constitutes “image violations” on this part of the internet.
4: Table Insults
Displaying emotions creatively is up to you, but remember that there’s a line when what you’ve said turns it into a clear table insult. Any insulting or rude behaviour towards other players will get you warned, but can also result in a more permanent ban when it happens.
Table insults should always be reported when they happen (whether they are in private, or happen in public).
Before you ask: Yes, it’s possible to report abuse on behalf of another user if you see them being abused, insulted, or targeted. Keep screenshots.
5: Spam
While the word “spam” is general, users will know what spam is when they see it. Any obvious (and usually irrelevant) forms of advertising on the forum, around the table, or within your IM inbox should be reported.
Sometimes, spam is posted by bot accounts instead of people.
A report helps administrators to track fake bot accounts (and annoying human ones) faster.
6: Stalking
Stalking and inappropriate pursuits are a very real-life danger. Nobody wants this type of behaviour happening in bridge (and if you can’t answer no to this question, you might be one of the problematic users!).
Report any stalking, and any messages that make you feel uncomfortable.
If it continues, one report is not enough.
Seek professional or legal help. Additionally, find information on restraining (sometimes called protection) orders in your area as soon as possible.