November 2023 - 7

IN Box
Mistakes, mistakes,
mistakes
There's a relatively simple answer
to a very complex question. The
question is: What makes bridge such
a great game? The answer is: Because
it's so easy to make a mistake.
There are many decisions to make
as a declarer or defender at each and
every session. Here are a few: your
bidding, the opponents' bidding,
percentages, conventions, pull trump
or not, aggressive or passive lead,
finesse or not, hold up or not.
So many questions, so little time.
How many mistakes will you make?
For arguments sake, let's say you'll
fall into one of the following categories:
zero (almost never), one or
two (very good game), three or four
(average-plus/average-minus), five or
more (pull out the bridge books).
Mistakes do have their place. Try to
learn from them, then forget them as
soon as possible. Mine occasionally
keep me up at night.
If argumentative discussions rear
their ugly heads, consult an " expert. "
Just remember, they make mistakes,
just like the rest of us.
ED COHEN
Northbrook IL
Leading by example
Our new executive director, Bronia
Jenkins, practices what she preaches.
She taught at St. Edwards School in
Vero Beach FL, alongside my daughter.
When I retired in 2014, after having
not played duplicate in almost 10
years, I planned a 10-day visit to Vero
Beach. I told my daughter that I was
going to call the partnership person
for the local duplicate club so I could
play while she was teaching school.
The next day, she called me back and
said not to worry about calling the
partnership desk. Her friend, Bronia
Jenkins, was going to take me to the
Vero Beach Duplicate Club, introduce
me around, and play with me. Because
of her kindness, I enjoyed many
years of playing bridge in Vero Beach.
Imagine my surprise, when I
received my June issue of the Bridge
Bulletin with Bronia's picture on the
front as our new ACBL executive
director. Thanks, Bronia, and congratulations!
ELIZABETH
RINEHART
Aiken SC
Politics-free zone
The August editorial, which underscored
the ACBL's commitment
to keeping the game nonpartisan,
generated an avalanche of comments
agreeing with the thesis of the piece.
The following is a sample of the many
emails that were received.
" In First Seat " in the August 2023
issue was excellent. Well said. Thank
you for saying what, in my opinion,
most of us prefer: " Keep whatever
political views you wish, but don't
use them as a weapon to make policy
demands. "
AL LATENDRESSE
Maple Grove MN
I just want you to know that your
editorial in the August Bridge Bulletin
was terrific and something that
needed to be said. Politics does not
have a place in duplicate bridge.
JERRY FLEMING
Los Alamos NM
Your comments were clear and concise,
and I hope that our membership
takes them to heart. Thank you so
much for refusing to take sides on political
issues in your official capacity
with the ACBL. Bridge is a game that
should unite not divide.
The ACBL does a wonderful job at
selecting interesting cities for events!
An added benefit of the geographical
variety is that people from different
regions of the country - especially
newer players who may not otherwise
consider attending an NABC
an option - gain the opportunity to
participate in a national tournament
and feel welcome. The absolute last
thing we need is some sort of political
litmus test.
PAT BLACKWELL
The Villages FL
Over and above
Kudos to the Omaha Regional
tournament chairs and volunteers
who hosted an exceptionally wellrun
event. Compliments as well to
Director-in-Charge Peter Wilke and
staff for their expertise, patience and
good humor.
I'd also like to thank Marie France
Benoit, the caddy supervisor. Just
before entering a morning session, I
mentioned to her that I'd been unsuccessful
in finding a drug store that
would deliver an item I needed. The
front desk was also unable to help.
After asking, " What do you need? " she
enlisted the aid of one of the caddies,
and I had the item within 45 minutes.
Thanks again, Marie France. I will
never forget your kindness.
VERONICA VARNEY
Marquette MI
Price incentive
Now retired, I play more frequently,
and I am saddened to see so few
young players taking up our beloved
game. Whether in Gatlinburg, Reno,
Providence or Chicago, I cannot recall
ever seeing so few of them.
A friend of mine suggested free
tournament play for contestants
under 25 in our unit. I believe we
should take this further and implement
free play for all ACBL members
under 25, for both club and tournament
play. Kids are usually pretty
competitive, and the incentive of free
play might entice some of them to try
November 2023 | Bridge Bulletin |
7
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November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2023
