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BGonline.org Forums
Reaching in the direction of the cube - question
Posted By: Phil Simborg In Response To: Reaching in the direction of the cube - question (ScottJ)
Date: Monday, 16 April 2018, at 10:57 a.m.
First, because the rules vary from place to place in how they are written, and they have changed in the US, I think Roberto handled this very well. He very nicely pointed out that it is not appropriate to make motions that might indicate a possible double. Whether the particular rules force you to cube by reaching or touching is not the point....it's just not good sportsmanship, especially in an important match in a major tournament in the Open Division where players should be expected to behave more professionally. Roberto did a nice job of putting his opponent on notice. A jerk might have called the director and made a big deal about this, and Roberto is not a jerk.
As for the rule itself, I am pleased that it is more clearly defined as touching the cube. It used to be very ambiguous as to what constitutes "reaching" for the cube or doing something that might indicate an intention to cube. Ambiguity leads to arguments and bad feelings when directors make arbitrary rulings based on a wide interpretation that is possible.
As for the need for these rules. I believe we do need rules that cover everything to avoid misunderstandings and arguments, and I believe we finally have a good rule.
Some argue that the old rule was better...that if someone reached for the cube they would have to because they might get a reaction. My feelings is that if you are an open player and dumb enough to react before your opponent has clearly indicated whether he is cubing or not, you deserve to be fooled...just like a poker player who folds his hand or calls a bet before the bet is actually made is an idiot.
But our rules also need to protect less experienced players and they need to be clear.
In chouettes, particularly when there are partners, these kinds of problems are much more common...people sort of reach for the cube or might indicate a possible cube, and I see people going nuts screaming that they have to cube. Why? Were they dumb enough to indicate they were taking or passing before there really was a cube, or are they just trying to take advantage of their opponent on a technicality...which is particularly nasty in a semi-social environment such as a chouetee.
So even in chouettes, it should be clear that unless you touch the cube or say that you double, you have not acted.
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