Bridge is a partnership game, and it takes thought to find your best match.

There are some bridge teams known for absolute greatness. I’m sure that you can already name a couple; the Four Horsemen, the Dallas Aces… But there are also others that didn’t work as well, such as the eventual and notorious Bridge Table murders.

If you have a new bridge partner, it can be hard to tell how things will go.

What if their playing techniques are great, but they’re also a control-freak? What if they insist on littering sexual innuendo around every bridge game you play, and you’re no longer comfortable with it?

What should convince you to find another partner sooner rather than later?

Just like any other inter-personal relationships, partnerships can show these danger signs over time.

Here’s a look at 4 bad signs from your new bridge partner (that might mean it’s time to switch around).

1. Reports from other users

Online bridge has increased the reach of the game, but also made people think that online behaviour can be anonymous. Harassment happens online, and unfortunately this is no different in the bridge world.

Have you received news of concerning reports regarding your bridge partner? Does your bridge partner keep getting their account flagged for posting spam? Do they ignore the warnings about online conduct during games, or in messages?

It might mean that they don’t respect the online bridge world as much as you had thought. Repeated violations of basic rules means find another partner.

2. Control, control, control

The best bridge partnerships (and longest marriages) in the world can attribute a single secret to their longevity: Compromise.

If you can’t compromise on both ends of a partnership, I don’t think it can be called a partnership. It counts for everything, from your schedule to your playing times.

Does your bridge partner assume a level of control that overrides your collective role as a group? Well, that’s not a good sign. Does your bridge partner’s control spill over into your personal life, too? That’s an especially bad one.

Compromise matters if you want the partnership to last.

3. Insults (anywhere)

I’ve seen some horrible insults fly between bridge partners, both at the table and away from it. No professional or casual partnership should resort to insults for questionable playing – that’s just not how things get done here. Do you ever feel like your partner singles you out when mistakes happen? Do you ever feel belittled or insulted by your bridge partner?

It says more about their personality than your playing. Speak to them about their behaviour, and if it doesn’t change, find another partner.

4. Making moves

There are many great relationships which developed at the bridge table. It can be romantic and memorable when relationships work out, but it can also be a case of unreciprocated feelings – and that’s where situations change.

No means no, and it’s worth repeating at the bridge table.

Does your partner make advances or comments that you don’t feel the same about? Do they continue, even when you haven’t given an indication of interest – or have already asked them to stop?

Find another partner. Respecting someone’s personal choice shouldn’t be consider optional – around here, it’s ensured mandatory.

Have you ever been in a situation where it was necessary to find another bridge partner – or where you suggested the thought to another?