Story by James (BBO: rumancoke)

It’s 1967. I’m 17 years old and in my first job— Inexperienced and clueless about life.

I was surrounded by older colleagues (40 years old and above). I didn’t know any better. Coffee breaks and lunchtime were spent in the works canteen—everyone having a cup of tea, chatting. In one corner, a few people were watching something and mumbling.

I went over to have a look. There were four players playing cards.
I asked, “What game are you playing?”
They said, “Bridge.” I had never heard of a game called Bridge.
I’d only played Rummy and Trumps before.

The game looked interesting. Every lunchtime, I would sit and watch the players play, asking questions all the time. One day, I asked if I could play a hand. They said yes.

I was terrible. I didn’t have a clue. I couldn’t bid properly, didn’t know about finessing, signals, discards, or leads. It was embarrassing.
I wasn’t invited to play with them again—but I was given the best advice ever: “Get some Bridge books and learn all about Bridge.”

I did exactly that.

My first book was Basic Acol by Ben Cohen and Rhoda Lederer, followed by All About Acol. Then came more books by Hugh Kelsey, Terence Reese, David Bird, Tony Forrester, Ron Klinger, Frank Stewart, Danny Roth, Ewart Kempston, and Albert Benjamin. Famous hands from famous matches, and more.

I was hooked on Bridge.

I’ve learnt Acol, Strong Club, 5 Card Majors, SEF, Different signaling and discard systems—everything about Bridge, really. I’ve played in the UK, Sweden, Spain, and a lot on BBO.

I’ve now been playing Bridge for 57 years. (If you know someone who has been playing longer, let me know!)

At 17 years old, I was given a piece of advice. Now I’d like to return the favor and offer some advice of my own—things I’ve learnt over the years:

1. Learn the basics.
   Without a solid foundation, it’s difficult to improve. Without it, Bridge becomes just another form of Poker.
2. Avoid playing with your spouse or partner (if you can).
   Don’t take disagreements home with you—leave them at the door when the boards are done.
3. Expect the unexpected.
   Especially against players you perceive to be weaker. They will make bids that make no sense—and trip you up.
4. Bridge and the brain, as you get older.
   The brain needs stimulation as you age.
   Bridge gives you that. You have to count, memorize, recall—and all the other mental skills that make Bridge a fantastic game. Bridge keeps your brain alert and sharp.

Keep playing.

? Share Your Best Bridge Memories ?
Share your bridge stories here and we'll publish one every week in the Bridge Lovers Weekly News. If your story is selected to be published we'll give you BB$ as a token of our appreciation.