jodie

In my experience the people playing f2f bridge can be every bit as rude and judmental as anybody online. I've heard outrageous statements made at the bridge table, in f2f games. I have heard comments occasionally online, but have seen and heard much more f2f. I do agree online bridge is a different experience. It's different for many reasons. Some people are better able to concentrate, some less so, but being that there are no 'real' cards, it's just a totally different experience.

I've played a lot of f2f bridge. I like online ACBL tourneys much better. It's now been about 3 years since I've really played in a f2f tourney. I finally figured out, that for me, tourneys were stressful and exhausting. I well understand that's not the case for everyone, but, for me, that was the case. I like having the online ACBL tourneys as an alternative. I can relax at home, and play. I don't care much about the masterpoints one way or the other, but the partners I play with like to win points if we do well, so that's why I end up in those tourneys. I have played quite a number of them, and I have not noticed people cheating against me, or at least it's not something that enters my head too often. I'm sure it happens. Just as I know it was happening in f2f bridge. I guess, I feel like it's sort of just something that does go on, and I've always felt that if one must cheat to win, it's something that makes me pity them. I play to learn, worry about my own plays and bids, and don't judge anybody else. It works for me. I know not everyone agrees. Just my two cents!

I guess I don't really understand how stopping kibs in ACBL Tourneys is going to stop cheating. With all the messenger progams available, not to mention skype, etc, it seems unfair to me to bar kibitzers. I like to watch my friends, and often, will go over hands at the end with them. I guess I wouldn't feel so strongly about it if I felt it'd really end cheating, but, seems to me, if people are going to cheat, they will find a way. I just don't like being punished for the actions of a few. Thanks!