Have you played bridge for more than a short while? If so, then you likely are aware that it simply doesn't stay the same forever. I remember when I went to college in Madison Wisconsin - learned to play all sorts of card games - and even a little bit of bridge. From Madison, I headed to grad school and ended up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!! I fell in love with Minnesota - then met a relative who enjoyed bridge.
He encouraged me to occasionally play in St. Paul - so I did. And although he was a super smart guy and quite nice, too - we rarely played a lot. Though I enjoyed our games, I truly was a beginner, had a long trek from Minneapolis to the north - and didn't learn that much.
THEN I met a guy who asked me to play one evening - and we were second in an event! Boy was I excited - especially when we were given trophies that were almost as tall as I was! That was it; even though I still did not play a huge amount of bridge, playing more - and/or kibitzing - was a true treat.
I have been playing bridge literally for many decades.... so I've seen extreme changes over the years; some good and some not so wonderful. I surely recall having regionals where almost every seat in TWO BALLROOMS were taken by players; THAT'S how many of us were fascinated and excited by bridge!
As we all know, though, the last few years have brought changes that truly are distinct from decades of our games. Some have been good - but others have been painful and sad as we see so many games dwindling.... I know that there are some who think that the "death knell" of bridge is on its way... And while it is impossible to predict, my view is one of hope that much that is not so hot now will change greatly for the better. And yet again, we'll see new players and juniors and retired folk - along with talented super stars - returning to the game like no other.
My goal? I have a few. One is as I mentioned; as fear of covid diminishes, we'll see more players return. And once that happens, more will become intrigued with bridge, irrespective of their expertise and/or their beginning experiences.
I think that my greatest hope is that we will see many fall in love again. Some will simply enjoy a game of bridge every week or two. Others will become so fascinated, games will grow and grow - beginners will turn into intermediates - and then perhaps experts - and/or super stars!
Whether you are a casual player or one of Minnesota's amazing top players - I hope your enjoyment continues on - and more and more of us return to being bridge lovers!
We can do it! Please share YOUR THOUGHTS about bridge in 2022. What are your thoughts for growth? What do you think creates the most fun and fascination? What are the most thrilling bridge experiences you've had - and - the most crushing?
I do have my own thoughts that I hope to share. And please do join me! Many of us have fallen in love with bridge in the past - yet current circumstances have made playing more challenging for many. We can fall in love again. We can create the fun and amazement. We can entice non-bridge players to be with us!
Let's do it!!!
