Story by Joyce William Banks (BBO: 1935 jw)

I moved to Scotland to marry. Knew no one except husband. Loved bridge and had had a fantastic bridge teacher in my home town. Wanted to play here.

Took a deep breath and advertised on local web chat for any absolute beginners who would liked to learn bridge for fun. I knew I wasn't good enough to be a proper teacher. But thought I could at least get people interested and confident enough to join a proper class (which are often scary for beginners).

Six people got in touch and we met once a week at my house. Six months later we had a fun celebration dinner and I pronounced them as graduating. They had grasped the basic principles and knew enough of the language to play and enjoy it. So we added another six. Everyone became friends. We had had from the beginning some basic rules to keep it fun and low key:

1. Never say sorry.
2. Mistakes are always laughed at and discussed
3. We don't stick to partners, so anyone can play with anyone. We all use the same system Basic Acol.
4. We don't have to have a four to play. We double up and discuss what to play together. Often play with six!
5. No one is allowed to say or think, “I didn’t get a hand to play”. All hands are for playing. Defense is playing - just a different contract!
6. We play slowly and happily discuss contracts, play, leads etc. during the game. i.e. constant learning.
7. We dont play competitively is our key motto! We play for the interest of the logic.

The numbers grew until we had over 20 and often 3 tables (a squeeze) never became an organized club. Just contribute to coffee and biscuits. Always a gang of friends who love bridge and fun bridge parties.

BBO was fantastic for us during Covid. We used casual and practice hands and met regularly so didn't loose out. If anything forged stronger bonds. Now more than 30 have joined us over the last 7 years. A great crowd of friends and always someone to play with. Just WhatsApp the group and a four will emerge!

We meet more formally 3 times a week still at my flat. Usually 10 or so each time. But practice groups and 5pm cocktail games get created ad hoc on BBO. All with no fees and still no formal organization. Some have joined proper bridge clubs and play in tournaments, but most are happy with the intellectual exercise of our social fun bridge.

It transformed my life!

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