PaulJHad

For some it appears that congratulating partner with"Wdp" or "vwdp" (normally after achieving a contract) is a habitual response by Dummy after a board is completed. Whilst some people may take this as being supporting/and or courteous, in my opinion it is quite inappropriate, being ungracious and disrespectful to the defending pair. In many cases a contract is expected to make, so actually achieving this is no more than what should occur, yet partner still insists on an unnecessary "wdp". Consider: Bridge is a game of mistakes, In a case where a pair make an extra, unexpected trick it is more often than not because the defenders have erred. Thus "wdp" is not really saying "well done partner", but is rather inferring "you screwed up" directed towards the defenders. In my opinion a pair should be courteous and magnanimous, by accepting their achievement with dignified silence,sparing praise only for the occasional board that is particularly cleverly played out. In my own case I remain quite throughout the match/tourney, and only when all is done offer "Thankyou and Well played" to my partner. (NB I must confess that in the past I was a "wdp" player, until some lovely American lady pointed out to me (quite harshly) that "You don't say well done for shooting fish in a barrel".)

I agree with you entirely. I like to type a courtesy note to the previous TD and Partner, as do most good subs i'm sure... and it is annoying to have this interrupted by another request. As you rightly say removing your name from the subs list would deal with this easily.

The problem here is that as responder I can see we are close to slam, but not quite there. Any response to Opener's 1H bid is of course a limit bid that can be Passed. Can anyone offer me some advice how one should progress to at least explore slam with this hand? (Playing 2/1GF) Slam try?

I agree, "Intermediate" suggests a transitional status, aspiring towards the majority group (average players). "Advanced" Suggests having surpassed this level.

As a "serial Substitute", I offer a couple of observations and opinions. The negative aspects: 1) You may well be removed in order to make way for a previous player to return 2) You might find yourself frustrated as you feel your random partner is perhaps not up to your own standard, or worse you get a difficult partner who is rude, insulting bossy etc. The positive: 1)You get to enjoy the benefits of the game, 2)You pay nothing 3)You may acquire a little status in form of few Master points. 4)You get to "meet" nice people, especially partners who you might join again at a later date. Some opinions: I think it is a privilege to be invited into a game as a substitute, the positive aspects far outweigh the downsides. If i am invited partway through a game I actually EXPECT to be replaced... No problem as far as I'm concerned.. In fact in those situations I inform the TD that I'll stay as long as is required. (After all Someone payed, I didn't. He/she is surely entitled to return.) When saddled with a difficult partner I feel one has a duty to the TD who kindly invited you to remain at your post, difficult as it may be. Of course you can always make the TD aware of bad behavior by a partner (which I'm sure he would appreciate as he can choose to blacklist any offender.) An Idea: The idea of TD's rating Subs has probably been broached before. However I do think that a simple 1-5 rating, shared to all TD's under a loose title of "Would you use this Substitute again" would weed out the less desirable or unreliable subs, and elevate others who treat the invitation respectfully.