The game of Bridge is a partnership played by two people against two other people.
I have been reminded of this recently while I have been watching the tennis at Wimbledon. Like many of you I have been thrilled by the exciting play on the courts and been struck by the relationship of the doubles players. They communicate so well with each other, both before and during the play. We should remember this when we sit opposite our partners at the Bridge tables. Do we try hard in the bidding to tell our partner as much as possible about our hand, and more importantly recognise what they are telling or asking us and respond accordingly? Then during the play do we watch each other’s signals whether it be attitude or count or discard information? These important clues are what separate the really good players from the rest of us and contribute so much to success whether in declarer play or defence.
Talking of success, the Bradgate B team continue to proceed in the NICKO Plate competition, they played in a beautiful old farmhouse in deepest Worcestershire and won comfortably and are now drawn against Richmond B in the quarter final, good luck for the next battle.
Some of you may remember in the good old days when we were spoilt by the services of Sylvia and Vince in the kitchen. They provided all the refreshments, even knowing some of the regular ‘orders’ and doing all the clearing up afterwards. Sylvia celebrated her 100th birthday on June 21st and is still mentally very sharp and reminisced on those times with Pauline Dignan and Margaret Butterworth who attended the celebration.
Now we have to fend for ourselves and the club very much appreciates all the help from volunteers who regularly turn up and take turns to be the ‘tea monitors’ on Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. Likewise the many others who keep the club running, whether collecting the money, acting as directors or hosts or doing the scoring. We also need help to put out the tables etc and then put everything away again. So if you are reading this and can help in any way please come forward and offer your help. Thank you.