District 8 President's Report
District 8 President's Report
Friends:
I’m certain you’ve all heard folks talking about another bridge player and remarking, “That person is good for bridge.” This is probably one of the nicest things that can be said about a bridge player. Sadly, it also clearly infers some people are "not good for bridge”.
As we reflect on “a person good for bridge”, what exactly does it mean? What does it take to be that kind of person? Did you have to play the game a long time? Do you have to have so many masterpoints? Do you have to be at a certain level in bridge?
How often have you talked to “social” bridge players and when you ask them to come to a weekly club game, they immediately turn you down? They had gone once and the folks weren’t friendly. They had the director called on them for hesitating too long. A player corrected them for some reason they still don’t understand. Their opponents chewed each other out and it made them very uncomfortable --- and the list goes on.
At a recent dinner party, a guest who doesn’t play bridge commented that she had “heard” that duplicate bridge players sometimes aren’t very nice. The bottom line is that we bridge players didn’t conduct ourselves properly. We were rude and disrespectful to our partners and/or opponents. We did all the things we shouldn’t have and that's the reason we found it necessary to have a “zero tolerance policy”. I’ve seen a “zero tolerance policy” posted on the wall and often times ignored by players.
So what does it take “to be good for bridge” ? There isn’t any one thing. It’s a mixture of good things. Give another bridge player a ride to a weekly club game. Without being asked, bring a dish to pass at a club game. If you know a player needs some silver and/or gold points, ask them to play with you at a tournament. When you know your opponents are beginner or novice players, be patient and don’t rush to call the director. There are a lot of things.
All we have to do is treat folks the same way we like to be treated. Don’t be a player that is a great person – until they sit down at the bridge table.
The following wordage is printed on a card often seen at both club and tournament bridge tables. Why not consider having these available at your club game? You might even suggest they be used at your local tournaments.
IT’S SO EASY TO BE POLITE!
1. When your opponents come to the table, be certain to say “hello” and exchange names.
2. When you call for a director or caddy, why not add “please”?
3. The bridge table isn’t the place to teach your partner the finer points of the game.
4. Turn off “all” beeping items.
5. When your partner fails to bid correctly and/or or misses something in the play of the hand, keep it to yourself. Attitude can often mess up a number of boards.
6. In consideration for those with allergies, please refrain from wearing any heavy fragrances.
7. While we have “zero tolerance”, we prefer not having to remind anyone of it.
8. Relax and have fun. It’s only a game.
Thanks!