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649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com
Part of the job of a bridge club manager is to help people find partners. It seems like it shouldn't be a difficult task, and it usually isn't.
One thing that makes it challenging is that nearly everyone wants a partner who's better or at least as good as they are. You can see how that might complicate things. 🙂
The players who are consistently in demand as partners are more than just fair bridge players — they're delightful to spend three hours with across the table. They don't even have to be that great at bridge.
A great partner is someone who enjoys the foibles and missteps of the game as well as the triumphs.
A great partner trusts your judgment and enjoys having you try things that might not work out, or maybe even probably won't work out. The joy is in the trying! Great partners know not to point out your mistakes at the table (you already know about them), but are happy to move on to the next adventure on the next board.
An easy player to get into a bridge game can play with almost anyone, be cheerful, and have a good time.
If you can be that player, you will always be in demand as a partner. Better players will ask if you're available for a game.
I was reminded of all these things this past Wednesday. I was directing and filling a half table with one of my favorite partners. I was clearly distracted — whenever I'm directing and playing, neither seems to go well. Nevertheless, we laughed, we struggled, we had fun.
Where did we finish? Last place (or "first underall"). At the end, we thanked each other for a good time, and will certainly play again.
Two Over One Game Force
Starting this Wednesday! The first of six classes on 2/1GF (two over one game force) bidding.
If you're concerned about the Thanksgiving holiday, don't worry! We're skipping the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (indeed the club will be closed all weekend).
Find out more about the course here, and click here to register and save your seat.
Become a Better Bridge Teacher
Bridge needs teachers, and you could be part of the solution!
Find the details here and see the flier here.
Classes This Week
Individual classes are available to join for $25. No need to sign up for a full course.
Mojo's pick for this week: The Wednesday evening class "2/1 GF Introduction" (practicing competitive auctions on Thursday is great fun too!)
Here are the topics this week:
- Wednesday, 7:00 PM, Two Over One Game Force "Introduction"
- Thursday, 7:00 PM, Bridge Basics 2 - Competitive Bidding "Practice Hands"
- Saturday, 9:30 AM Intro to Declarer Play "The hold-up play, and the danger hand"
New on the YouTube channel: Strip and endplay, and you can tease me about goofing up the final example on this video. 🙂 It's still pretty good. Originally recorded in 2021.
Saturday afternoon workshop (1:00 PM): "Opener's Rebid: Strong 2-Suited Hands" followed by a fun short game.
Coming up ...
I have a player visiting from the UK who plays Acol at home, but also 5-card majors with strong notrump. He'd like to play on Wednesday. Are you that person I described above? 🙂
And in December, look for a special single-session bridge seminar that might dramatically improve your declarer play. It will be on Friday, December 22, at 9:00 AM, and presented by Denise Hoffman, the Program Director for Better Bridge Teacher Accreditation. :)
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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