Have you ever stopped to have a long think while playing bridge online, and seen an opponent type the word ‘TEST’ in the chat box? I have, several times, and I’d always assumed it was a sympathetic way of acknowledging that someone has a criticaI decision to make. But when I mentioned this to David Gold the other day, he told me I’d got it wrong – the opponent is checking his screen hasn’t frozen. And most of the time it’s euphemistic – a way of saying, ‘Get on with it!’
I’m sure no world-class player has ever received a chivvying ‘TEST’ – everyone is fully aware that when they take their time, there must be a good reason. On this hand from the Spring Fours, for instance, Andrew Robson (North) paused for ages – then found the only line to make game:
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