We are happy to share that our teacher, Cindy Reid, is responsible for turning us into Bridge people! We began lessons with Cindy about three years ago. We were one of Cindy’s first students and as she learned to teach, we learned to play! She is a very patient teacher and understood that we needed to be taught not only the fundamentals of the game but also needed much encouragement. Many of our group played with their “life partners” and that, as you know, can be a challenging experience! Cindy encouraged us to play “nicely” and to always treat our partner with respect and kindness.

Cindy recognized that her beginners needed not only lessons but an opportunity to play. She worked with Bruce Toder to establish a “Beginners side of the room” for his Monday evening games. She attended with us, providing reassurance and support as we entered the world of Duplicate Bridge. Cindy also arranged for a supervised play of the hand class so we could practice our new skills while playing in a supportive and non-threatening atmosphere.

We also have to give credit to Ricky Briggs, a great mentor and to all of the more experienced “Pros” who willingly played with us at the Pro/Am games. We have recently begun to take classes with Mary Miller who is also a fantastic skilled teacher! (And who gives her students chocolates at every class!)

Final thanks go to all of the more experienced players who have been patient with our bidding and playing mistakes (Gee Marsha, I don’t think you really want to double your own partner!) To Lois Sanders who puts up with our forgetting our convention card. To the Tournament coordinators who have provided us with Vegan lunches!

We have begun to explore opportunities to play in District and Regional tournaments and have had a great experience!