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.
We had a similar woman come into our bridge group, except she was in her late 80s. nice woman, average player. Besides bridge, she endeared herself to us by bringing homemade oatmeal cookies. Even her daughter contacted us to thank us for making her mom a nmember of our bridge family.
Found this gem by accident and now I cannot stop coming back. The game selection is massive and the live dealer tables feel incredibly immersive. Everything runs without a single lag on my phone. A solid choice for daily players. mxyolkpg777
Le bridge est bien le meilleur sport que l'on puisse pratiquer, quel que soit l'âge et pour être en relation avec de nouvelles personnes.
C'est une chance de trouver un bon groupe et mieux encore un bon professeur. La 4ème Forcing n'est pas toujours évidente...
Bravo pour votre adaptation dans votre nouvel environnement !
How nice you were able to find duplicate and sanctioned duplicate and an instructor/ friend.
Seems all I hear about lately is mahjong.
I like your story. Will you like to play on line with me. My email address is mpgupta3300@yahoo.com
I am in Fort Lauderdale, florida.
golfgal5@icloud.com
We moved back to the U.S. after 3 years in Bangkok, Thailand & 3 years in Melbourne, Australia. We did not move back to where we left off. We moved back to Nashville, Tennessee area. We our family joined a Country Club to meet people & golf. I met some lovely people golfing! And after making a new friend, we decided to start a Bridge group of 5 people. We enjoyed our new group very much! And soon had 6 or 7 players every week! It has been wonderful! And we continue to meet new Bridge players. I am so happy to meet new friends at the Bridge table!! And so happy I took that first step.
A wonderful story👍