THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY.............................................................

• Novice : a player without sin
• Bust : the state your nose is in after partner has lost his cool
• TD's ruling : a decision which never goes your way, irrespective of any convincing evidence or arguments you put forward
• Rectify the count : a process that involves looking at your inadequate hand several times, until you arrive at a point count, which justifies the bid you were hell bent on making. In other words you keep on adding 2+2 until you get 6.
• Balancing : a skill many less able players have to develop, especially if their over-demanding partners make them walk the tightrope