Story by Charlotte Bailey (BBO: stjforfun)
When I met Alan in 2012, bridge was already a big part of his life. I had no idea it would soon become a big part of mine, too.
Alan was a recent widower and had retired, so he had returned to playing bridge. He had played as a child with his parents and later in college. At first, he was hesitant to date me because I didn’t play bridge. But the date was successful, and we became a couple.
Two or three years later, I decided I should find out what this bridge was all about. I took a lot of lessons, but I never thought I would ever become a Life Master. Well, I did! Since we traveled to Regionals and Nationals, I had all the gold and red points I needed to qualify, but very little black and virtually no silver. Then, after earning another 250 masterpoints, I received my Bronze.
Because of the difference in our masterpoints, we didn’t play together. Alan is a Sapphire, while I am now just 35 points away from Silver.
I am very happy that, at our age, I’m 86 and Alan is 90, we have such an active bridge life together. We are constantly on the go, traveling by air and by water to play as much bridge as we can.
Bridge brought us together, and it has given us a wonderful life full of games, travel, and shared experiences. But after all these years, we still do not play together!
I play bridge with my wife and we both make mistakes that we laugh about later or blame on bad luck.
What a great story and what a great couple! I'm happy to say that I play with both of you!!!
It is hard for non married people to play together. We all know marriages that have broken because of arguments at the bridge table.
Keep loving each other, playing bridge. You can always discuss the bridge hands together.
Keep up the good work and the smiles. We need more smiles than frowns at the bridge table.
Lovely and very motivational story. Very happy for you guys! Do what you enjoy-Enjoy what you do ❣️
Love it!!!❤️❤️❤️
Hooray! What a great story.
Lovely story
fabulous story
congratulations!!!!
Such a wonderful bridge life! Keep having fun you two!
Sounds very smart to me!
Very nice.arrao
Very nice.arrao
The perfect bridge partnership !!
Hi Charlotte .. thoroughly enjoyed reading about your bridge fun. You have learned to play the great game of bridge in the best way possible .. and, it sounds like you play other things with your life partner. What a great combination!!
Yes good story and a good idea not to partner one another good to keep bridge and real life separate I would say
Thank you
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing
what a lovely story
So enjoyed your story. I am dating a man 82, I’m 85. Cannot get him to learn unfortunately.
"Because of the difference in our masterpoints, we didn’t play together".
It's quite sad to read that - masterpoints don't define your ability, they mightreflect a level of overall experience but that's all.
Play together if you enjoy it - while recognising that most people find it most satisfying to play with someone of roughly the same playing strength as themselves.
What a beautiful story! ❤️ It’s wonderful to see that love can find us again, and even more special that you’ve a shared passion in bridge. Wishing you both many happy years together, filled with love, laughter, and plenty of winning hands!