[blml] Are the laws clear on telling pard to ask a question? [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Jerry Fusselman]

> Sven Pran:
>
> [snip]
>
> >I would as TD have denied West the right to ask any question
> >after East's illegal activity,
>
> [snip]
>
> Richard Hills:
>
> It seems to me that a Law 16A "logical alternative action" is
> contextually defined as only a "call or play", so a question
> is not an "action" in that context.

Both Sven's and Richard's takes on L16A are interesting, but it would
be nice if it was crystal clear in the laws as to whether or not
asking a question is an action from the standpoint of L16A.  At the
moment, I like Sven's interpretation, because it makes the director's
job easier, and it seems more in line with the intent of the
proscribed timing of questions in L73.
>
> Therefore, I would permit West to ask any question she likes.
>

Maybe she should be warned that asking a question (or looking at the
convention card) now that she has been improperly warned may well hurt
her cause.

> But I would be prepared to adjust the score if East's "Kaplan
> question" infraction of Law 41 damaged North-South by either
> direct provision of UI, or by indirect reminder (infraction
> of Law 40E2 footnote) to West to ask his own question.
>

How would you ever prove, to anyone's satisfaction, that this indirect
reminder occurred?  Seriously, would you please provide an example
with made-up details that could justify such a ruling?

West will say, "I was always going to ask."  Suppose poll of players
finds that 90% would ask---would you then be forced to rule no damage?
 Do we really want to go down these paths?

This seems untenable to me.  East seems to know that this particular
West needed a wake up call.

I'll reveal one more detail about my memory of what happened:  It
seemed to me that West was reaching for the card she planned to lead
when East said "Wait!"  Does that affect your ruling, Richard?

I don't see why the director (or the NOS on appeal) has to prove that
East is trying to remind West to ask a question or look at the
convention card.  The violation of procedure itself seems strong
enough evidence to me to prevent West from using this guidance in
choosing her lead.

Furthermore, if you do let West ask questions, you may be giver her
rope to hang herself, and she should be made aware of this potential
cost before she asks.

-Jerry Fusselman