Maura Rhodes
My Introduction To Bridge And Life Thereafter
In 2001, a couple of friends of ours asked Rick and me if we would like to join them in learning to play Bridge at WABC as they seen an advertisement in the Post for Peter Smith's Bridge classes. I was very apprehensive, doubting that I would have any interest in this mystery game, never having played cards, but we decided to give it a go. The four of us were all working full time, so along we went to the Wednesday evening classes. 8 lessons later. I was well and truly hooked!
In August of the same year. Oliver Mailes started a Supervised session on Saturday afternoons at WABC so Rick and I decided to attend. Playing amongst other beginners and being able to seek advice was very comfortable. One week, where we were both free on a Friday. we consulted the WABC handbook and saw that the Friday game was described as (a)big and (b)friendly. Unsuspecting, we gaily walked into the packed Club rooms at 12.45 taking our place at the only free table near the door, having no idea that we were playing in the most difficult game of the week, on the most difficult side of the room! On the first hand, I had the Director called for revoking. I was totally ashamed thinking that the whole room was staring at me and remember turning a deep shade of red. On the second board, Rick opened INT, to which I responded 2 Clubs (Stayman). Rick bid 3 Clubs, thinking Clubs looked a good idea. I tried to rescue by bidding 3 Spades, but he didn't have Spades, so he bid 4 Clubs. We were doubled and down 800. And so the afternoon continued. By coffee time, I was a shaking nervous wreck, thinking I would happily pay someone $100 to be able to go home! Needless to say, we came bottom, with 39%.
Fortunately, that was the low spot of my association with WABC and with the game of Bridge and from there, things only improved. We returned to Supervised the following day, much chastened and recounted our tales of woe to Oliver, who kindly explained that we hadn't chosen the best day to make our debut into the real world. He talked us through the intricacies of the various levels and days, the unwritten rule that the strong players gravitate towards one side of the room and also pointed out that 39% was not in fact too disgraceful a percentage under the circumstances. We then understood why we had been such lambs to the slaughter and made our return foray into Club bridge at a more appropriate session, on a Saturday afternoon which was far more manageable.
The more we played, the more we came to love the game and many new vistas were opened up for us. We would never have believed it if someone had told us 7 years ago that we would be travelling the continent to play a game of cards! This year, we have already played in the Summer Festival Bridge at Canberra and the Gold Coast annual Congress. We also plan to go to Alice Springs to play in the Northern Territory Bridge Festival With our friends from Melbourne. From there we will travel to Queensland to play in the Pacific Asia Bridge Federation Congress. In case you think these travels are all Bridge, let me assure you that they are not. We hope it won't be long before grandchildren appear, so we are making the most of life before grandchildren. A friend, knowing how I doteupon my daughters, recently asked me, 'What happens to Bridge when you have grandchildren?' replied, 'It takes a back seat.'
Bridge is a wonderful game, providing mental stimulation, inexpensive entertainment and a wonderful social medium where you have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Different age groups happily play together. In what other sport can you see 9 year olds playing against 90 years olds? WABC in particular is a fabulous Bridge Club with its wonderful new club house which must be second to none in Australia. We have made many friends through our association with it and owe a huge debt of gratitude to our two friends who first introduced us to the game. Ironically they didn't continue
Rick and I were away for the Club's big move, but what a tremendous surprise awaited us on our re-turn. We really must applaud the committee and everybody who made the dream become a reality. WABC members are rightly proud to belong to the best Bridge Club in Australia.
Maura Rhodes
Published in May 208 Edition of Trumps Plus
