April 2020 - 37

half. I loved the camaraderie of our
group, where everyone would celebrate
the success of anyone getting masterpoints as a success for everyone."
Miranda: "For the first two weeks, I
dreaded playing bridge. I often confused diamonds for hearts. I didn't
understand bidding past the first two
bids. I couldn't count tricks. So I dreaded going to the Tarrytown Regional,
but there I improved rapidly. The day
before, I went through my notes, which
helped a lot. I understood for the first
time what 2/1 means. I was beginning
to understand bidding as a language.
Meanwhile the company was amazing
- I had a lot of fun even while losing.
"The pair game on Saturday is a day I
will remember. Geoffrey and I met our
goal of bidding and making a slam, as
well as our other goal of breaking 40%.
In the evening, when we went over a
hand I misplayed, Geoffrey showed me
how to play the trumps, and something
in my brain finally clicked.
"Our first day back from the tournament, I thought for the first time that
I really wanted to play bridge! Unwittingly, I have let bridge rise through the
ranks; games I used to like are dwarfed
by comparison. Thank you all, so much,
for all that you've taught me, and more
importantly, for the fun times! Much
thanks to Geoffrey in particular for
putting up with me."
Geoffrey: "Earlier this month, I
overheard Frank explaining the class
to some surprised bystander as 'sink or
swim,' which, upon reflection, seems
extremely accurate. I struggled to make
sense of everything the first week. One
time, I inadvertently reversed while
trying to show a new suit, causing my
partner Jim to immediately bid game
to my great dismay.
"With time and practice, the situation ameliorated. To my surprise,
I found myself sometimes opening
BBO to play a few hands outside of
class. The various conventions and
techniques began to fall into place as a
logical structure intended to communicate a hand effectively. I also began
to understand drawing trump, finess-

ing, and setting up suits.
"The Tarrytown Regional was intimidating at first, but it turned out to
be really quite fun and the best opportunity to get better at bridge. I think
Miranda and I improved greatly and
achieved some results we were both
proud of (slam!). We were also able to
find humor in our many mistakes.
"I'll miss playing bridge constantly.
Special thanks to Frank and Jim for
being such excellent - and patient -

teachers, and, of course, to Miranda for
being such an awesome bridge partner."
Robert: "I had a great time learning how to play bridge. I knew I would
get addicted to it, but I had no idea
how complex and interesting the game
would be. One part of the course I
particularly enjoyed was going over the
hands with everyone and discussing
optimal strategy. Bridge is a fascinating game, and I'm sure that I will have a
lifelong relationship with it."
◾

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT SEA
ABOARD REGENT SEVEN SEAS

BARCELONA TO BARCELONA

Magic in the Mediterranean | 13 Nights | Departs Oct. 20, 2020 | Seven Seas Voyager (max 700 guests)

Oct. 20 - Nov. 2, 2020
ITINERARY:
Barcelona, Spain
Provence, France
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Rome, Italy
Corfu, Greece
Kotor, Montenegro
Venice, Italy
Split, Croatia
Valetta, Malta
Barcelona, Spain

Fares from: USD $6,199 per guest; (Up to 84 FREE Shore Excursions) Canadian pricing upon request
NOT including airfare (call for prices including airfare) *Double occupancy - $400 Shipboard credit

ENJOY THE BEST OF EVERYTHING:

Morning excursions in the best ports of the world, daily lessons, SILVER POINT games on most
afternoons, structured lessons at sea, ultimate comfort and the best food. FREE Unlimited Beverages
Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits, FREE Open Bars and Lounges Plus In-Suite Mini-Bar
Replenished Daily, FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities, FREE Specialty Restaurants, FREE Unlimited WiFi.
Bridge is a part of Jim Ricker (ABTA's 2019 Teacher of the Year) and Kevin Wilson's
(National Champion) Group only. You MUST book with Vision Travel in order to participate.

HONOLULU TO PAPEETE (TAHITI)

Best Beaches of Bora Bora | 15 Nights | Departs Jan. 15, 2021 | Seven Seas Navigator (max 490 guests)

January 15 - 30, 2020
ITINERARY:
Honolulu, Hawaii
Kahului, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Fakarava, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Raiatea, French Polynesia
Moorea, French Polynesia
Papeete (Tahiti)

Fares from: USD $6,899 per guest; (Up to 43 FREE Shore Excursions) Canadian pricing upon request
NOT including airfare (call for prices including airfare) *Double occupancy - $400 shipboard credit
For the Oct. 2020 Mediterranean Cruise contact Paola Shaw email paola.shaw@visiontravel.ca or direct line 905-873-8070
For the Jan. 2021 South Pacific Cruise contact Aida Costa email aida.costa@visiontravel.ca or direct line 289-344-4007
Vision Travel Georgetown - office phone 905-873-2000 or 1-800-263-5575 #1228 for Paola or #1209 for Aida
For full terms & conditions please consult Vision Travel or www.rsrc.om TICO Reg. # 50023504

Visit www.FantasticBridgeCruises.com to for more details about the trips and instructors

April 2020 Bridge Bulletin

http://www.rsrc.om http://www.FantasticBridgeCruises.com

April 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2020