Story by Jim (BBO: antepa)

In my family, casual Rubber Bridge would be played occasionally by the “grown-ups” and as a child I was puzzled to watch a couple of matches. My father explained to me the basic rules of the game at some point, but I kind of set it aside, as well as chess (that I used to play in a proper club) as I had to focus on other priorities such as my exams, my studies etc. Moreover, none of my friends or colleagues played bridge, so for a number of years I totally forgot about it.

While living in England, where I was studying at postgraduate level, I became a bit of a bookworm and enjoyed buying used and new books from discount shops; it was then that I bought my first book on bridge. Since there were no teaching classes nearby and I was spending many hours in front of my PC, I acquired an offline software for practicing bridge, and started learning and playing on my own.

Again, other priorities overshadowed my interest in bridge and for a few years I didn’t play at all.
Later on, having finished my studies and while returning from work, I noticed a poster nailed on a tree, advertising bridge classes by a bridge club, that was located very close to my place. I joined them and I was surprised to find out that competitive bridge is such a vibrant community. I stayed with this club for some time, attending classes and participating to various events; however, live events started to, somehow, turn me off and, moreover, I didn’t have the time to pursue them all.

It was then that I discovered Bridge Base, and it covered (almost) all of my needs, as I could play bridge anytime, and started learning new systems at my own pace. It was also great, because any real-life toxicity, or unpleasant habits (such as smoking) could not spoil my experience of playing bridge. Moreover, I got the chance to play and chat to brilliant bridge aficionados from around the globe; a large proportion of the people here are of high or very high intellect.

Bridge and especially, Bridge Base, has helped me in various ways, as a companion during difficult times, when social unrest and frustration in my home city was at its peak, as a brain exercising tool, when everyday routine made me feel mentally numb, as a funny and, almost, free distraction, when depression was looming. Last, but by no means least, my cat, surprisingly, has a positive attitude towards my online bridge “addiction”.

I felt I could give back and help this awesome international bridge community, somehow. So, a few years ago, I started organizing BBO Team Matches. A bit later on, I helped out running various tournaments as a Tournament Director, and, eventually, began hosting and TD-ing my own online tournaments. As a host and TD, just as in my everyday life, I am striving to be fair and also doing my best to organize interesting and funny events on BBO.

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