A Presidential Pardon For Bridge
Story by Joy Kurt (BBO: Twirlygirl) Some of my fondest memories of playing bridg...
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:
Keep playing.
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I sort of agree with "don't play with your partner" but my wife and I have been playing together since 1975; when we moved to France we found that playing bridge opened up our social group enormously. We now have a group of very close friends that we met through bridge. Most of them are couples that play together but we socialise in all sorts of other ways as well.
Hi James loved reading your story. Your bridge tips are brilliant. Thanks for sharing your story
I did too.
I first started to learn bridge 72 years ago but only played regularly after the death of my husband in 2000.
I am approaching my 94th birthday and enjoy playing twice a week on line in EBU session plus a friendly game on line at the weekend.
What a wonderful story, James—thank you for sharing it. As someone new to Bridge, I found your journey from inexperienced teenager to lifelong player both inspiring and encouraging. I love how a simple moment of curiosity sparked a passion that’s lasted 57 years. Your reflections on the mental benefits of the game really resonate. I hope I’ll be playing—and learning—for many years to come too!
Enjoyed the article and I totally agree with your bridge advice.
I have been playing bridge for 65 years ever since I was a freshman at Cormell. I am now 84 and still look forward to every match.
i loved reading all the stories...I was put with a partner who nobody wanted to play with because he was OLD ...He was 95 yrs old....One day he told me that he had been playing bridge longer than I was on this earth..I was 80 yrs...at that point.....Needless to say he knew where every card was in the whole deck. God bless Ben.
Very addictive! I think what draws me most to bridge is its depth and richness. I've been playing for 10 years, and there is always more to learn.
Great advice. I’ve only been playing 22 years and am now in my 80‘S and love the game. I wanted my partner to learn and play with me but he smartly said that playing together would be a recipe for divorce. Think he might be right. Thanks for the tips, they are all so true.
Enjoyed your journey into the bridge world.
I have been playing for 35 yrs and still eagerly open every hand with a sense of excitement.
I love the integrity of bidding a good hand and the logic of the game itself.
The many different views on playing ,leads ,discards never cease to fascinate me. I feel I am still learning Now 90 yrs and so happy I found this in my life. Lorraine
My mother taught me to play bridge,. When I was in junior high.school. four of us met at each home and that bride-playing mom would tutor us. I was a young teenager, and have been playing bridge ever since. I am now 87. That makes almost 75 years of bridge playing!
Enjoyed story. Mimics mine somewhat. I started playing at 30 years of age, am now 87 (soon to be 88) and play 3-4 times per week.
I started with my parents about 81 years ago.
Bob Hamman qualified for his first World Championship in 1963, 62 years ago. He is still competing in the top events at NABCs.
I started playing 2 handed bridge during finals my freshman year in college (19). Went to my brother's graduation from Kalamazoo College in Michigan. Family there for graduation. Told them I was beginning to play bridge. So this was my first time playing 4 handed bridge. Long story short - was told bridge was a game you are always learning. And so it is... I am now 87 and still learning.
I have been playing bridge for over 40 years. I am in my 90ies. Am a Ruby life master. Play 7 days a week 2 at the Club 5 on line. LONG LIVE BRIDGE
7
I'm a senior citizen in.y 90ies. Playing bridge above 40 years. Still playing in Metairie LA
Am a Ruby life master. Still hooked on duplicate bridge. Play 7days a week 2 at the club
5 on line
LONG LIVE BRIDGE...JEANE
I have been playing 79 years. My father taught the family to play in 1946 when I was 10. I play now in a weekly duplicate game.
James, i enjoyed your story.
I am about to be 83: and I learned the game from my parents when i was 15. You asked to hear from people who have been playing longer than you.
Another thing, I do play with my spouse. He is my best partner.
Yes, I can beat "67 years of playing bridge". my mother taught me how to play when I was 8 years old and I am now 90 years old and still playing duplicate bridge a lot (I'm a Diamond LM). When I was 10, I was on a train going to Georgia and got a game going (I had brought a deck of cards) with a bunch of elders -at 40 yrs old.
Story by James :Wow!!! Loving bridge for long 57 years !!! Inspirational story with some good tips for beginners 🙂 thank you & good luck !!!!
"I’ve now been playing Bridge for 57 years. (If you know someone who has been playing longer, let me know!)"
Hi James, I started in the same way as you when I was 20 years old in my 2nd year at Collge in 1960. After I read a lot of he same books as you did, I started playing club duplicate games and eventually in Swiss Teams tournaments in Canada (Ontario and Quebec), and in some in Maine and Vermont. So I have been playing for 65 years, and organize and run the small (6 - 8 tables) duplicate games in the seniors residence where we live.
It's crazy, I forget what I put things or why am in a room after I pass through the door, but I am still sharp when playing bridge. I enjoyed your story.
Keith
Wonderful tips James, reading books certainly helps your play and playing with different partners helps keep the brain active. Keep enjoying the journey.
Thanks James. I've been playing a long time too, but not 57 years. I do play with my husband and try not to bicker but sometimes just can't help it. 😂
He's 88 and forgets a few things, lol.
Great story and advise.
My story amazingly similar to yours and over 60 years in the making. Victor Mollo's "Streamined Bridge" was my go-to insiration and reference. So correct about the basics ....seem to gotton lost.
I have been playing since aged 11 and am now in my 80s.
The game is never 'learnt' - always something new.
Always looking for 37 points - 29 twice and also 10 card suits but not more.!
What a interasting story, I started to play bridge for friend who want to play bridge. But she could'nt go on. I met new partner. Bridge became a very sepecial part of my life.
I learnt to play bridge by watching my great-grandmother. I've no idea whether she was any good! I started to play in 1951 - That means that I've been playing for 74 years!
I'll never be brilliant at the game. I'm just a good standard club player!
I agree with James. If you want to improve your game read every book that you get hold of!
One thing I do remember. I was moved to Kent by my company in 1960. I went to the local bridge club. They found me a partner (naturally one of the worst at the club) and we won! After that I was a very popular partner!
David (Stowman)
My first game was 1st weekend of National Service on
Saturday 16th December 1950. Nearly 75 years ago.
I agree with James but add, if opponents are weaker,do not take chances.They can take A,A,A or A,AK for 3
tricks,and they will before you make your 11 tricks
with clever play.If you believe opponents are better,
remember they will get the points if you play negatively. Your best chance is to go for it and hope
it is your night. Do not be afraid! It is best
chance to get a good score.
All so true James.
At least I hope your last bit concerning the brain is, Im 77
still playing f to f once a week and on BBO on Fridays.
Quelle chance d'avoir découvert le Bridge à 17 ans. Je vous envie !
J'aime surtout votre premier conseil : bien connaître les bases, c'est la clé pour progresser, sinon effectivement on en vient à jouer une sorte de poker.
Quant à être accroc, c'est à la fois un bonheur et une contrainte.
Merci pour votre histoire de Bridge.