Using the 30-bid to indicate specific domininos (or how many doubles) are in the bidder's hand is okay if all four players are privy to that particular bidding convention. It is not unreasonable to expect an experienced player to assume that a 30-bid could mean the bidder has a helping hand for his partner.
Indicating doubles during play is okay. Denying a player's option to play any domino he wishes when he can't follow suit is unwarranted. It is not unreasonable to expect an experienced player to be wary of possible implications when a domino played doesn't follow the suit of the domino led.
Indicating is comparable to body language and rhetoric in everyday face-to-face communications. It can't be easily legislated or enforced; therefore, knowledge and experience are the most effective ways of dealing with the practice when confronted.
That said, there is logic in the argument that one should just say he has a helping hand and skip the perceived bidding subterfuge altogether. However, that would diminish strategy and mystique, just as eliminating bidding conventions would in the card game Bridge.
The only thing that really matters is that all four players know (and honor) the house rules and have a good time playing the game. In the absence of house rules, specific exclusions, and/or lack of common knowledge, the players should agree on the rules before beginning the game.
A more convincing argument might be about the wisdom of employing indicating tactics. Some players believe that indicating is overrated, adds little advantage, and is oftentimes detrimental to those who practice it. But, like a prominent 42 player once said: "42 is a game. It's not a religion."
7 Dec Follow-up (#1)
Just as there are many religions, church denominations, and political philosphies, there are different beliefs in how the game of 42 should be played.
Each player has his personal preferences. Some are steadfast in their playing tactics, and some are ambivalent. It's not a matter of right or wrong, it's simply "what floats your boat."
I, for one, enjoy playing the game with others who also practice the subtle indicating styles. It's sometimes helpful, and it keeps me vigilant. Others think it should not be tolerated.
I agree that prearranged specific signals are cheating and are totally inappropriate; however, common knowledge indicating, e.g., the 30-bid helping hand, is acceptable. The players that don't recognise this bid option have not yet reached the skill level of an experienced, knowledgeable 42 player.
In 42, as in life, there will always be differences. Recognising and responding effectively to these differences is the challenge (and thrill) that makes the game of 42 so exciting.
7 Dec Follow-up (#2)
Indicating is a two-edged sword. There are risks. A false indication by your partner could have undesirable results. And you can't always come to your partner after an indication. Sometimes it is helpful, and sometimes your opponents can use your indications to help set you.
Integrity and trust go hand-in-hand in the game of 42. Each player is on his honor to play a fair game. The examples you provided on unscrupulous indicating tactics are indicative of unscrupulous players. They do not represent the honest players who practice commonly accepted out-in-the-open indicating styles.
Indicating doubles during play is okay. Denying a player's option to play any domino he wishes when he can't follow suit is unwarranted. It is not unreasonable to expect an experienced player to be wary of possible implications when a domino played doesn't follow the suit of the domino led.
Indicating is comparable to body language and rhetoric in everyday face-to-face communications. It can't be easily legislated or enforced; therefore, knowledge and experience are the most effective ways of dealing with the practice when confronted.
That said, there is logic in the argument that one should just say he has a helping hand and skip the perceived bidding subterfuge altogether. However, that would diminish strategy and mystique, just as eliminating bidding conventions would in the card game Bridge.
The only thing that really matters is that all four players know (and honor) the house rules and have a good time playing the game. In the absence of house rules, specific exclusions, and/or lack of common knowledge, the players should agree on the rules before beginning the game.
A more convincing argument might be about the wisdom of employing indicating tactics. Some players believe that indicating is overrated, adds little advantage, and is oftentimes detrimental to those who practice it. But, like a prominent 42 player once said: "42 is a game. It's not a religion."
Just as there are many religions, church denominations, and political philosphies, there are different beliefs in how the game of 42 should be played.
Each player has his personal preferences. Some are steadfast in their playing tactics, and some are ambivalent. It's not a matter of right or wrong, it's simply "what floats your boat."
I, for one, enjoy playing the game with others who also practice the subtle indicating styles. It's sometimes helpful, and it keeps me vigilant. Others think it should not be tolerated.
I agree that prearranged specific signals are cheating and are totally inappropriate; however, common knowledge indicating, e.g., the 30-bid helping hand, is acceptable. The players that don't recognise this bid option have not yet reached the skill level of an experienced, knowledgeable 42 player.
In 42, as in life, there will always be differences. Recognising and responding effectively to these differences is the challenge (and thrill) that makes the game of 42 so exciting.
Indicating is a two-edged sword. There are risks. A false indication by your partner could have undesirable results. And you can't always come to your partner after an indication. Sometimes it is helpful, and sometimes your opponents can use your indications to help set you.
Integrity and trust go hand-in-hand in the game of 42. Each player is on his honor to play a fair game. The examples you provided on unscrupulous indicating tactics are indicative of unscrupulous players. They do not represent the honest players who practice commonly accepted out-in-the-open indicating styles.
posted by texastoken | 2:47 PM
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