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

[Eric Landau]

At 02:36 AM 3/15/07, Jerry wrote:

>Sorry if I was unclear. The director was fully aware of the correct
>procedure and timing of questions and face-down leads.  He even told
>East that it was not her turn to ask questions.  There he was perfect.
>
>It was his next ruling I find troubling:  He felt that the instant
>West asked East's question, his job was done, so he left and did not
>return.
>
>I challenge BLMLers to go through that in silence and without raising
>an eyebrow.  (I failed, though I was silent.  Well, maybe I said
>"Huh?")  I would be impressed if any BLMLers are sure they would do
>it.

I would have asked East to select her opening lead, and instructed 
South to answer West's question after the lead was on the table.  I 
might also warn East against using any potential UI from the fact of 
West having asked the question.

If challenged, I would point out that, per L41B, West has committed an 
"error in procedure" for which no specific rectification is provided, 
and I am therefore carrying out my duty per L82A.

I would then be forced to confess to BLML that I had unabashedly 
followed Mr. Kaplan's advice, deciding how to rule then looking for the 
law that might justify what I want to do.


Eric Landau                     ehaa at starpower.net
1107 Dale Drive                 (301) 608-0347
Silver Spring MD 20910-1607