Story by Cindy Holden (BBO: scuffy510)

I was green. I had just finished my six weeks of beginners' lessons and had turned up for my first night playing with "real" bridge players. I was nervous. Although I had only played with beginners, there were experienced bridge players in the same room. We heard their conversations, felt their concentration, and were in awe of their no trump play. And I had heard a few post match dissections. Scary stuff!

All the "rules" were running through my head as I nervously picked up my first ever competitive hand and counted my cards. My heart felt like it was in my throat. I counted them... yep... 13, and sorted them into suits.

I was the dealer, first to bid. My heart was racing. Deep breath. "Fake it till you make it," went through my mind. I had two four card suits, a three card suit, and a two card suit. How many? Thirteen. So I opened 1NT.

The bidding went around. My partner bid Stayman... and now it was time for my second bid! I did a recalculation... four spades and... 7 POINTS!!! Thirteen cards... but only 7 points... Oh no, I'd opened 1NT! I bid 2♠ and tried to pretend nothing was wrong, although my face was now scarlet red. We ended up in 2♠.

I think my glowing face may have given away to my partner that something wasn't right, so she left me in 2♠. I played the hand, and we ended up one light! Not my most popular debut with the opponents! You could cut the air with a knife.

But the opponents sliced that air right open with a hand in the air and a loud, "Director!"

My first night, and the opponents called the director... We got a top board because they missed a 4♥ contract. Thanks to my 13 card, 7 point 1NT opening bid.

Now, whenever I play with a brand new player who looks nervous, I tell them that story and watch them relax. I say, "You'll feel better after playing your first hand, regardless of the outcome. After all, I've never yet met anyone who has bet their farm on it!"

Thirteen. Unlucky for some, but not for me. Not that day.