[zasanya]

In the other intellectual games I am familiar with viz Chess and scrabble the usage of timing devices ensures a level playing field.(Apologies for the mixed metaphor)
I think it would be a good idea to use timing devices not only for the whole deal (as is done in bbo tourneys) but also for each bid and play.
Any comments?

[hotShot]

The timing problems in bridge are much more complex than in chess.

e.g. Who's time is running while you wait for/listen to opps explanation?
If a player asks many questions, is he just buying time, or needs a special information.

[csdenmark]

zasanya, on Jan 12 2007, 05:46 PM, said:

In the other intellectual games I am familiar with viz Chess and scrabble the usage of timing devices ensures a level playing field.(Apologies for the mixed metaphor)
I think it would be a good idea to use timing devices not only for the whole deal (as is done in bbo tourneys) but also for each bid and play.
Any comments?

As I informed in another thread(50:50) about this Jbridge has introduced a feature for something like that. I think it might be interesting to study to explore how such can be implemented and what it goes for.

[zasanya]

If a player asks for explanation then both the clocks should stop.So also when explanation is being given.

[onoway]

Is time really that much of an issue? Even in many of the tourneys time is a bit flexible for disconnects and frozen players and looking for subs and such. If wanting only to play with fast players why not so specify at your table? Or if someone is consistently slow, mark the name and choose not to play with that person again.It would seem a shame to have some sort of mandatory time limit to apply. Often friends are combining bridge with a social evening and conversation tends to prolong the hands from time to time. That should be curtailed?

What I have found much more of a problem (and I HATE sitting waiting for people to bid or play, if it is prolonged I tend to fall asleep from boredom) are the flitters..people who come to a table and sit for half a hand until they see their contract will not make and abruptly leave. This is especiallly rampant in main. They are imo much more of a disruption to a good evening of bridge than the occassional wait.

It is distressing to see how many people seem to want rules and laws and restrictions applied to every conceivable situation, Betcha ants never have to worry about anybody behaving in other than speciified ways - but who wants to live like that?

[zasanya]

onoway, on Jan 14 2007, 12:27 AM, said:

Is time really that much of an issue?
..............
It would seem a shame to have some sort of mandatory time limit to apply. Often  friends are combining bridge with a social evening and conversation tends to prolong the hands from time to time. That should be curtailed?

  ..........

      It is distressing to see how many people seem to want rules and laws and restrictions applied to every conceivable situation,  Betcha ants never have to worry about anybody behaving in other than speciified ways - but who wants to live like that?

Speaking for myself I am all for "no restrictions" and "infinite tolerance" approach in friendly games.I encourage discussion and love to make comments to make the game more enjoyable.
However in tournaments or high stake games a lot of ill will is generated due to pauses.Theres a large variety of them :Pauses which give UI ,pauses which are attempts to mislead the declarer pauses to irrritate opponents.,legitimate pauses etc etc.
The poor TD who already has a thankless job is now further burdened by having to interprete the"pause".
So why not have a timing device which will help the TD?
Those who want to enjoy without additional restrictions can continue to do so.When I play chess with my son or scrabble with my wife we do not use timing devices.