Story by Keith Newell (BBO: keithx1)

At the end of the 1980s, I found myself moving to New York for work. After settling my family into our new home, I decided I needed to do something that would allow me to meet local Americans. On a notice board at Scarsdale station, I saw a sign: "Learn Bridge in Six Weeks," and decided this was my opportunity to meet the locals.

When I attended the first class, which was run by an English bridge player, Phillip Alder, I was partnered with an English lady, Carole, from Bromley, who knew my wife! The culmination of the course was a Sunday afternoon tournament at the Bridge Deck, a bridge club in White Plains. Unfortunately, I had an old address for the venue and arrived late.

My partner, Rita Wolf, had been paired with one of the organizers, an established player, who I took over from when I arrived. At the end of the session, we were approached by the organizer, Bob Goldwater, who ushered us onto the stage with a microphone to announce us as the winners! I protested that we had benefited from our substitute, but Bob whispered that sometimes you just get lucky. Our trophy is pictured below.

I played throughout my time in the USA with Carole Burgess, who I believe now resides in San Diego. Since returning to the UK, I have played regularly in the Caterham area of Surrey and, more recently, online.

After all these years, one never tires of the satisfaction of finishing near the top of the standings, or of the determination that a lower finish inspires to do better next time. I look forward to many more years of the game and would like to thank all those with whom I have enjoyed playing over the past 40 years, particularly my current partners, the ever-patient Sandra and Robin.