SHOCKED BY ROAD RAGE ...WHAT ABOUT TABLE RAGE ?... ( An article by Dr. John )

Yes, I've been studying videos of bridge players for quite some time , and I've come to some rather disturbing conclusions after watching and analysing their behaviour , witnessed in hundreds of recorded run-ins and incidents at the table.
First thing to note is the vast majority of table incidents are non-contact , low threat annoyances , and nothing more. Rarely is there anything that would result in players having to be escorted of the premises by the ZT squad. In many instances  emotions can simmer away , resulting in arguments  erupting later . This is when in fact the delayed outburst table rage occurs , necessitating of course immediate intervention and control. 
Moreover , a great deal of camera footage shows players getting all revved up in situations that would otherwise be non-events, when they use body language , gestures and facial expressions to then threaten  and , in strict legal terms , assault others sitting at the table. All this seems to demonstrate that table rage has very little to do with an intent to commit actual bodily harm , but has far more to do with being a statement about their frustration and despair. 
Generally speaking table altercations are no more than storms in a tea cup , when in the heat of the moment a player loses self-control. Seconds later he/she might become extremely placid , but what is most odd about this rage phenomenon is that the level of anger shown at the table can be inversely proportional to the incident that triggered it off. Indeed , minor incidents can in fact provoke extreme reactions , whereas major ones are often dealt with in a civilised way with TDs being called over to tackle the problem.
Yet an even more bizarre finding is that table rage isn't necessarily directed towards to the opponents. It can be directed at partners , and players on other nearby tables who may have made the mistake of passing comments over. 
But what is most telling is that I have observed three personality factors ,  which the victim of Table Rage Syndrome tends to possess 
1.  A willingness to violate the rules at will believing they are all irrelevant and  unimportant 
2.  A willingness to berate others for violating the same rules when they believe they are adversely affected as a result
3. A willingness to make up their own rules for playing the game at will , and always feeling aggrieved when others do not obey them
Clearly , with this jaundiced and warped mentality being so widespread ,  table rage will continue to blight bridge clubs the world over. Conflict at the tables is inevitable , and those with this syndrome have unfortunately become victims of a compelling pathological condition to engage in , or seek out , confrontation . As much as these players need urgent medical help and therapy, a much better solution is of course to " sling them out ". The sad fact is that disciplinary bodies have no effective mechanisms to engineer social harmony and cohesion within their club. The very nature of the game , and the hot claustrophobic environment of a packed competitive arena , only serve to create the perfect conditions for table rage to flourish.