Story by Maureen Hall (BBO: Hallway)
One day back in August 2001 a mishit golf ball disappeared under a bush. I was heard muttering that I really should have taken up bridge instead of golf, and a voice behind me said, “You can, they are giving lessons in the Hall starting next week.”
And so my life changed direction. I googled “bridge” and it came up with Fred Gitelman, who was setting up a website to educate people about the game. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
The reason I write now is because I want to acknowledge and thank those who gave my life a purpose. Retirement did not sit well. I was there on the days the number online on BBO struggled to tick over 100. Oh the jubilation. Then it was 1000, 10,000 and so on.
There are so very many to thank.
They are the BIL Team.
On behalf of all who have passed through the BIL over the last 22 years I send my heartfelt thanks to the BIL Team.
Collectively you have reason to be proud. BIL members have gone on to represent their countries, become accredited teachers and directors, and become acknowledged Expert and Advanced players. Others started up face to face clubs in their home towns. Many have become regular competitors in national tournaments around the world.
I am still waiting for someone to emulate Fred so I can watch them play in the Bermuda Bowl.
Maureen (hallway)
Beginner, Intermediate Lounge (BIL) Founder and Manager
Thanks
you have done a great job.
I was a Bill member and I know you and I enjoy listen you very nice story.
Great Story Maureen.
Hooray! Congratulations, Maureen.
Great story
Thank you Fred and Uday and all of you writers
BUDUJĄCE NA PRZYSZŁÓŚĆ WSPOMNIENIA
I love hearing everyone's stories! Yours, too, is so uplifting and fun! Thank you!
~Julie
Merci pour avoir fait connaître l'histoire de la création de BBO.
What fun we have had in the BIL..as well as learning Bridge!! The Marathons, the inter-country weekly tournaments between the Aussies and the Kiwi's..oh the rivalry between those two countries came alive- thanks to the late Jane Doig (jacobcg) for organising that- The lifetime friendships that we made,the attention to detail and Bridge etiquette that you insisted Maureen,made the BIL just so special. When we became BIL graduates and had to move onto 'advanced' level BBO Bridge lost some of the delightful atmosphere that you had created in the BIL.
🙏🏼 Thank you. Best wishes
"Ahh yes I remember it well"
My long time partner joylson and I were so lucky to have found the BIL. We met new friends and played with our peers in tournaments and casual play. What great teachers were available. Many thanks Maureen.
Hello from firsty/Eileen.I enjoyed those years playing bridge with you. Time flies but I am still enjoying the game even at the advanced age of 92,
Thank you for your never ending dedication to Bilbridge!
Thankyou Fred Gitelman for starting BBO and in particular for supporting Maureen to begin the BIL site in BBO. You both have changed the lives of thousands of Bridge players and intending Bridge players throughout the World. Your dedication and the sacrifices you made to keep going for so long are deeply appreciated.
I was watching a bridge game with three intermediates and an advanced player by the name of Tony. I said to Tony - "you should be playing with the big guys". To which he responded "Would you like to play with me?"
That started a six year partnership with me and elevating me from intermediate to advanced. We still play twice a week even though I am now 92. I hit the jackpot and won a gem of a friend.
Eileen Leake aka firsty.
That is lovely, Eileen. Another 6 years...
Janet
Maureen,
Congratulations to you. You had a dream and then you made it come true. I love playing with the BIL and I enjoy the many players in the group.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2026.
Dearest Maureen
You mean so much to the many thousands of us who have been able to move on in the game of bridge thanks to you and the BIL where kindness and instruction are key.
J'ai découvert BBO en 2006.
Je partage entièrement l'analyse de Maureen.
Bravo et merci à Fred Gitelman et à ceux qui ont pris le relai .
C'est une idée géniale et son succès mondial le prouve .
Longue vie à BBO !
Thank you Maureen for acknowledging the need for a place where Beginner and Intermediate players can grow and learn more about the game of bridge.
When I go into the Bils site, I feel relaxed and eager to play with and opposite friends.
Thank you for teaching our players the skills for acting as tournament directors.
Dear Maureen,
The biggest thank you to YOU, you made it all happen
for all of us BILies, we found a safe and encouraging place to learn and play.
"And the rest is history" 🙂 These are just a few words, for you it was decades of dedication! THANK YOU Maureen
nice
I joined BBO in2005 and played in the Acol players club. Maureen recruited me as a mentor in the BIL which I enjoyed. I still like playing on BBO when time permits.
Lovely story as they all are well done BBO for these and the members!
Mary
Wonderful story