Story by Elaine Russell (BBO: ElaineRuss)

I moved to a little town in northwest Connecticut at the age of 79, after living in Mexico for six years and Wisconsin for two years. My daughter got a job teaching art at the nearby primary school. I knew NOBODY! Moving to a new place at that age was quite a change, but bridge helped me find my way.

I made a whole new group of friends playing duplicate in Salisbury, CT, twice a week. The players range from national champions to mediocre players, so there is quite a range of experience. The two best players are Gary Steinkohl and Peter Bakstansky, who sometimes get very high scores in the national rankings.

When Gary announced he was starting a class at a nearby library, I jumped at the chance to join. I was very lucky to be part of his class, which is open to all levels. He is an excellent teacher and clearly loves bridge and teaching.

Last week, he began explaining fourth-hand forcing. He has a way of circling around and repeating the main points to reinforce the details. He really makes it sink in. Besides that, he has a charming, open personality that makes us all love him.

I think Gary plays bridge in some form for hours every day. It is his passion, and it shows. There are SO many layers to this game. It is challenging, and there is always something new to learn.

I am slowly improving, too, and came in third with my partner last week. For someone who moved to a new town knowing nobody, I feel very lucky to have found such a great group of bridge friends.