Story by Jane Simpson (BBO: jhs)

I learned to play bridge at the table. Bridge players are some of the most generous people on the planet and will do almost anything to help others learn the game. Of course, if you’re at a tournament, maybe not so much.

The first lesson I learned was at an ACBL table in Mexico. That particular lesson was one in humility—and it was a very thorough one. Party bridge is a different game. So, I spent about two years at various tables on BBO, trying to learn duplicate. In the old days, BBO was like the Wild West: if you made a bad play or a bad bid, your partner would yell at you and boot you from the table. You had to learn fast!

Next, I went to Portugal, where I got to see a Bermuda Bowl—wonderful—and also learned that all my newly acquired 'Standard American' was pretty much useless, since they all played the Italian "Blue Card." So, it was back to basics again—and more humility! Fortunately, they took pity on a clueless American, and I became somewhat decent at the table.

When I moved back to the U.S., I had the good fortune to land in Aiken, SC, at a club that billed itself as the nicest club in the world. We had about 14 tables three days a week and a smaller group of hardcore players one night a week. It was joyous. The late Alan Brooks helped many of us become Directors. Everyone helped each other achieve various levels of accomplishment, and the play was— as I’ve come to realize—of a very high standard. When I occasionally came in first, I knew it meant something.

I’ve continued playing around the world and have made some truly great friendships along the way. And at 78, I finally think I’m a fairly decent player. One of my favorite lessons is one I learned from Jeff Meckstroth at a NACBL tournament where he lectured. He said that he is always looking for a way to make a bid, reassessing his hand after every bid. I took that to heart, and I’ve found it to be great advice.

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