A Bridge Director is the person in charge of overseeing bridge games at clubs and tournaments. Think of them as the game’s host, organizer, and referee all rolled into one.
by Jude Goodwin © Great Bridge Links
If you’re used to playing bridge at home with friends, you might wonder if duplicate bridge games, such as a club game or other tournament, have any kind of referee. Although the basics of bridge are simple, as your group gets better and better at the game, you might be feeling a need for someone who knows the rules. For example, did you know there are rules for things like a ‘lead out of turn,’ or ‘dropped cards,’ or even a ‘revoke’ (failure to follow suit). This is where the Bridge Director comes in.
A Bridge Director is the person in charge of overseeing bridge games at clubs and tournaments. Think of them as the game’s host, organizer, and referee all rolled into one. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the rules are followed. When you walk into a bridge club, you will often be first greeted by the Director. And throughout the game, you’ll see the Director wandering around, answering questions, maybe passing boards, and eventually totting up the results. At a club game, the Director wears many hats.
If you find yourself in need of assistance during a bridge game, calling the Director is the way to go. But how exactly do you do that?
You should call the Director if:
Calling the Director ensures that the game is fair and enjoyable for everyone. It helps resolve issues quickly and maintains the flow of the game. Plus, it takes the pressure off the players to sort out complex situations on their own.
Here five of the most common director calls that bridge players might encounter:
These common director calls highlight the essential role of the bridge director in ensuring fair play and resolving disputes. Directors are trained to handle these situations efficiently to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that all players have a positive experience. Check out the Bridge Genealogie for some common Director Calls. Director Please is also a good resource for information on Bridge Directing and the Laws of Duplicate Bridge.
Bridge Directors often get paid for their work, especially at larger tournaments. Their pay can vary depending on the event and their level of experience. For smaller club games, Directors might receive a modest fee or even volunteer their time just to get started, but for major tournaments, their role is crucial, and they are compensated accordingly.
Directors are responsible for knowing the rules, assessing situations, and assigning penalties if necessary. However, the majority of their job focuses on assisting players and resolving disputes rather than penalizing them. For those who enjoy travel, being a Tournament or National Director offers plenty of opportunities to see different places. Here’s an overview of the various levels of bridge directors in the ACBL and their typical earnings:
The demand for bridge directors is steady, with opportunities for advancement as the game’s popularity and the number of tournaments continue to grow.
A good bridge director should possess a blend of patience, fairness, and attention to detail to manage various player levels and ensure the rules are followed correctly. Effective communication skills are essential for explaining rules and resolving disputes, while decisiveness helps maintain game flow. A thorough knowledge of bridge rules and strategies, coupled with diplomacy, aids in handling conflicts smoothly. Strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities are crucial for managing tournaments and unexpected issues. Finally, maintaining composure under pressure ensures the director can handle high-stress situations effectively.
Benefits of being a Bridge Director are many! You’ll meet and interact with many people from all walks of life. If you’re a tournament director you’ll meet and get to know some of the most famous bridge players in the world, and you’ll get to travel some some amazing places. If you like people you’ll like this job. If a director has a large personality it can colour any tournament. Phil Wood was an infamous director based in the Metro Vancouver BC area. Many of my early tournaments were directed by Phil Wood with his booming voice and his good work was memorialized with trophies and awards. Another well-known BC-based director, now retired, is Matt Smith. You can read a 2016 interview with Matt here, which has insight into what it’s like to be a bridge director. Matt Smith‘s directing skills took him all the way to the top, where he was Head Tournament Director for the World Bridge Federation. After his retirement, he was elected WBF Honorary Head Tournament Director in 2021. Matt was inducted into the ACBL Hall of Fame in 2022.
If you think you have what it takes here are some basic steps to starting your career as a Bridge Director.
Understanding the Laws: The first step is to thoroughly understand the rules and laws of duplicate bridge.
Books and Manuals: Consider reading books such as “Director, Please!” by Josephina Burrie, which explains the laws in the chronological order of a bridge session, making it easier for aspiring directors to learn and reference the rules. There are many other well known books for aspiring directors including Groner’s “Duplicate Bridge Direction” and Larry Harris’s “Bridge Directors Companion”
Play Bridge Regularly: Regularly playing bridge helps you understand the practical application of the rules and the common issues that arise during play.
Volunteer at Clubs: Offer to assist at local bridge clubs. This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning how to manage games, resolve disputes, and handle the logistics of directing.
The ACBL offers director courses and seminars that provide formal training. These courses cover everything from the basic rules to advanced rulings and are essential for anyone serious about becoming a director. Other national bridge organizations will also offer director’s courses and updates.
The ACBL offers an official exam for aspiring directors. Passing this exam is necessary to become a certified director.
Once you pass the exam, you will be certified as a bridge director. Certification may need to be renewed periodically, so staying updated with any changes in the laws or regulations is important. The world of bridge is always evolving, and so are the rules. Regularly attend advanced courses and seminars to keep your knowledge up to date and improve your directing skills.
Ha ha. No a bridge director does not have a whistle, or any kind of noise maker. However, it can help if they have a booming voice, like Phil Wood. In a room full of bridge players, you might hear the director calling out things like, “Who Called Please?” or “All Move Please” or ‘Next Round!” But most of the refereeing is done by a director quietly at the side of a bridge table, and often with a book in hand for reference.