Though it's been far more than half my life since I began playing bridge, I still remember the beginnings well. When a case of mono had me relegated to my college apartment for a week, a friend taught me honeymoon bridge. From there I "graduated" to bridge in the student union and in the math department social area. And then - I headed to graduate school in Minnesota.
A local player/relative started taking me to the local dupe in Maplewood every few weeks. And from there, I learned about the (geographically closer to me) Bridge Center. The many kind people and mentors who played there helped me learn more and more - and - I became hooked. If you were trying to find me, head to the club!
For many of us, our start for duplicate bridge is indeed at the club. And although some of us go on to competing more and more in tournaments, our clubs remain the bedrock of bridge. Throughout the week, long time friends and partners, socializing and much more happens at clubs all around Minnesota and the rest of ACBL-land.
Here are some recent photos from Friday night's Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, which meets at the Edina Senior Center during the "school year". Though the details have changed over the many decades in which the MGSC has been in existence, the basic premises have remained the same. Tough competition, interesting hands, treats (yay for treats!) - and always friends and the fascination of the game.
Thanks to all who love our game, who open the bridge world to those who do not yet play, who teach, who compete, who volunteer - and all the rest of it! And of course, a big thanks too to our directors, from the club level on up. You will see one of the finest - Tony Ames - above. And one of the finest of our players, too!
Without the clubs, though, there might well be no tournaments, decades of friendship and tens of thousands of people playing duplicate bridge. A round of applause for our bridge clubs and all that comes with them!
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