When I was in college, I had no interest in bridge. When I saw the other students playing at lunch time, I would keep walking. I graduated, married, and got hired by Kodak. A beginning bridge class was being offered by the late, and very great John Donovan. My wife and I signed up. Soon, I started playing at lunch time with co-workers. My partner was Steve, and he would be my regular partner for the next 45 years.

Then came the Finger Lakes Regional of 2023. I was lacking only 12 gold points to become life master. Steve and I did well, earning 6 gold points. I was psyched up now. Over the following year I picked up fractions of gold points here and there, and I waited in anticipation of the next regional. The 2024 Finger Lakes Regional finally arrived, and I signed up for 3 of the five days, expecting to be a life master by the end of the week. Alas, it was not to be. I couldn’t do anything right. My bidding was bad, my declarer play worse, and I won’t even mention my defense. I booted a 3 No Trump contract that was making 5 by everyone else in the room. A player suggested that I was trying too hard.

Another year of picking up fractions of gold here and there. The wait was almost unbearable. I had played enough in special games that I now needed only 1.4 gold points to make life master.  Finally, Finger Lakes Regional 2025 arrived. By now, I had three regular partners, and I signed up to play all 5 days. The first day I played with Vinnie. I never can tell how well we are doing until the results come out. By the end of that first day I was exhausted and just went home right after the game. A couple of hours later, Vinnie calls me and says “Guess what, you’re a life master!”. We had won 3 gold points!

By the end of the week I had accumulated 8 gold points with my three partners. My club threw me a party at our next game. I was getting congratulations all around. It was so gratifying, and so motivating. Now I am determined to improve all aspects of my game.