[SAump]

Perhaps the echoing balk call is an interpretation of two partners making the same call at the same time. It happens in the competitive nature of our work. Of course to prevent something happing in the OP, neither of us can call a balk unless we have a short verbal explanation to follow the award. This is part of our unwritten ground rules. I take pride when my partner calls one before I do and quickly wonder why or when I did not interpret the action as quickly. We always post-game this w/ a congratulatory alertness comment and a detailed discussion. It let us both know we intend to get the next one first.