[jallerton]

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None of the calls were alerted.

At the end of the auction, but before making his opening lead, South left the table, apparently to talk to a TD.

South arrived back at the table, made his opening lead and the play period started.

At trick 2, East had a decision to make in the play. He had observed South talking to the TD and guessed that this was because the 2♦ bid had been intended as conventional. He decided that the meaning of the 2♦ bid might affect his play, so he looked through the N/S convention card to see if this sequence was mentioned. Alas there was no reference to a passed hand 2♦ response on the convention card.

East now calls the TD and asks whether he can ask South a question without North being present at the table. How should the TD handle this situation?

[bluejak]

The trouble is that North has already had some UI from his partner talking to the TD. Now the request to the TD is AI but must give him ideas!

As a TD I would send North away from the table, but be very careful to monitor East's questions: the only question South should answer is whether there is any MI, eg from the 2♦ not being alerted, and to only answer if they have an agreement. No agreement, leave it to the end of the hand. Also I would make some effort to indicate to North what is UI and what AI.

[c_corgi]

I agree with Bluejak, but surely it would have been better if the TD had returned to the table with South and addressed the situation then rather than waiting to be called back.