[blml] Disclosure f2f

[Guthrie]

[nige1]
Whatever happens in other games, the point is that Bridge-players from 
different jurisdictions often play Bridge against each other and local 
rules impose an unfair and unnecessary extra home advantage.
[Stefanie Rohan]
Where and when is this happening?
[nige2]
Everywhere everyday.
[Stefanie2]
Oh, OK. Maybe a couple of examples?
[nige3]
Two typical simple examples (most are more complex) ...
[A] Some time ago, my sister and I played at the French Club that met 
at the Young Chelsea. My sister misdefended a hand because she was 
unaware that a minor opening could be three card suit. I called the 
director and he explained that we were playing to French rules and 
such bids aren't alertable in France. The director then explained that 
we should have been alerting our one-level openings. My sister was 
upset. She might have been more upset had I not explained that the 
director was just trying to help.
[B] A charming young French couple were welcomed to Reading Bridge 
Club. They enjoyed several nights of competition until they failed to 
alert a bid that, in France, is *not* alertable. Opponents were quite 
incensed and claimed damage disputed by the young couple. The director 
eventually ruled against the newcomers but they could not understand 
the ruling and appealed. They seemed to find it hard to argue their 
case in the context of unfamiliar regulations. The appeal committee 
upheld the director. The couple never came back.

[Stefanie3]
One improvement we could use is that normal Stayman not be alerted.  I 
don't think that there is anyone in the UK who uses 2C as a weak takeout.

[nige3]
If Stayman were part of the "Standard System" it would not require 
disclosure. When I first played Bridge at the Carlton Bridge Club in 
Edinburgh, most played "Strong notrump no weakness takeouts". 2C was 
natural and constructive :)