barmar, on 2012-September-01, 12:42, said:
I have many times played in games where a player at the next table was disabled like this, and requested that the person playing the boards before him sort at the end. No one has ever refused.
Vampyr, on 2012-September-02, 12:10, said:
Yes, it is fine to occasionally sort the cards for the next player. I don't mind doing this, and I don't know anyone who does. But doing it all the time would be really annoying. (Plus, anyone who really didn't want to sort for a player at the next table could always change seats with their partner.)
I haven't had anyone *refuse* refuse, but I have had them pull out "why should I have to?" and, much more commonly, gripe about having to sort *and* do all the things that the Lord of the Table (and yes, it usually is LadyOTT, but not always) has to do, three or four times during the session. Obviously, it's key to put in the score, and check the traveller, and put in their personal score (that has to be retrieved from the floor/purse), and switch the boards, and talk about the hand - there's no time to sort. And heaven help anyone who suggests that maybe for this session they just sit South (the players I'm thinking of that need cards sorted also have issues writing, so they punch in the numbers and partner keeps personal score. Frankly, I think that should be SOP, and I certainly suggest it any time anyone uses it as an excuse for why they shouldn't have to sort or why they're always late - to the same "but I'm the LOTT" reaction, of course, which always amuses me).
barmar said:
Regarding sorting at the beginning versus end. Yes, they take about the same amount of time. But at the end of a hand, you're often rushed if you're running late, and players are likely to time-consuming skip a step like this if they're being hurried to move on. But giving the cards a quick shuffle before putting them back in the board is much easier at that time.
Once you get used to it, sorting takes little or no more time - especially if the person you're sorting for doesn't mind having them "in suits, but not necessarily in order". Getting used to it *does* take time, and switching gears to remember takes time.
Having said that, the "norm" in England was to sort after playing, and there are still a couple of old Englanders that play in my tournaments that can't break the habit. I am used to calls round 2 of "director, my hand's sorted"; I have been known to look down a table or two, say, "Yep, I'm not surprised. This might not be the last time this session", and wander away. They usually Get It after two or three boards.
When I go to sea, don't fear for me, Fear For The Storm -- Birdie and the Swansong (tSCoSI)