CURMUDGEONS ( Part 2 ).........................................................( By Carp ) As I pointed out in part one, a curmudgeon cannot help but vent his spleen at partner, especially when blame can be firmly directed his way. So let's look at a few more carefully worded statements that skillfully mix sarcasm with despair.

• " what's wrong with bidding ........ first ? "
• " it's the wrong sort of hand to make that bid "
• " some overcall.... "
• " with a hand like that pass was the only sane bid "
• " this is what comes from a deviation "
• " did notrumps ever occur to you as a bid ? "
• " bid up partner "
• " not what you promised partner "
• " not what I expected "
• " this contract would have played better from your side "
• " what have you done to me ? "
• " why didn't you put me back into my suit ? "
• " why put me back into my suit ? "

However, not all curmudgeons are result merchants, destined to be dissatisfied with boards that fail to score 100%. The focus for this group is to embark upon a quest to achieve the ultimate level in bidding precision and perfection. For instance, if the curmudgeon here crimes you for not reaching slam, only to discover that every other pair that bid it, then failed to make 12 tricks.....as a result of a wicked trump break...... he is not bothered a jot about the fortuitous top. Why? Well, the fact remains the slam bid was mandatory with that type of hand.....and therefore, partner's negative and defeatist approach to bidding needs to be chastised. It will will pointed out, no doubt with a big dollop of sarcasm, that timid bidding generates far more bottoms than tops. Nevertheless, one must never be put off by playing with a curmudgeon, because most are good players who are keen to improve their partner's game. In any sport or competitive game, coaches are always looking to raise the bar, no matter how good the player's current level of performance. I just wish that curmudgeons partnering me could balance their destructive comments with a few positive ones of praise and encouragement............ where they are clearly warranted.