Cards Etiquette

[Eight Taiwanese Teenagers]

Dearest Aubrey,

Whilst partaking in a friendly (if such a thing exists!) game of whist, at what point does traditional sportsmanship turn into outright cheating, when it comes to hinting to your partner as to what cards they should play for your mutual benefit? (I know very little about the game of Bridge but I believe a similar situation is also possible thence?)

It is an issue that has bothered me for a long time, but I have not dared to mention it around these parts for fear of mockery. But, thanks be, you have arrived. Please help, this has caused many a sleepless night!

Yours,

Alex

[Aubrey Barkus]

Dearest Aubrey,

Whilst partaking in a friendly (if such a thing exists!) game of whist, at what point does traditional sportsmanship turn into outright cheating, when it comes to hinting to your partner as to what cards they should play for your mutual benefit? (I know very little about the game of Bridge but I believe a similar situation is also possible thence?)

It is an issue that has bothered me for a long time, but I have not dared to mention it around these parts for fear of mockery. But, thanks be, you have arrived. Please help, this has caused many a sleepless night!

Yours,

Alex

Dear Alex, how I remember the photo of your baby face covered in mucky smuts after your tube ordeal.  You poor lad!

I would have said that my best strategy for any card game has always been to make sure my opponent is seated in a particular place while my compatriot views the opponent's cards from a distance using binoculars and lets me know, using a radio earpiece.  But I think that was a James Bond film rather than reality.  Plus ca change!

I'd like to cover your face in muck.