Stories – ACBL District 4

Marlene Meyer – Sapphire Life Master

I started to play bridge in 1962 because my parents played and their discussions always sounded so interesting. Soon after that David began to come to the local club games and that’s how we met. We just celebrated our 60^thwedding anniversary.

I have to say I owe a lot of my bridge accomplishments to David though there were a lot of harsh discussions along the way, but I knew I was playing with the best in the area.

Through the years we have traveled to many tournaments. I have met some very interesting people and made many good friends.

Bridge has been a wonderful pastime, and we were even able to play in China on a few of David’s business trips.

Rosemary Kerwin – Junior Master

I would love to take the opportunity to recognize Anna DeLapo and the enormous role she has played in making bridge such a positive experience for me. Anna’s kindness, constant encouragement, and seemingly endless patience have meant so much as I have learned and grown as a player.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Anna directing bridge here in Southern Delaware. She creates such a welcoming and supportive environment for players at every level, and I am especially grateful for the encouragement she has given me along the way. She is a wonderful ambassador for the game.

Paul Irvine – Diamond Life Master

As a part-time player over the years, to reach the level of 5000 MPs, I have to credit my many partners.

I consider the point total more of a longevity achievement. However, I do consider my 2000+ Gold points and 76 Blue Ribbons to be more representative on my playing ability.

What gives me the most pleasure these days is being the Coach and Preceptor for the Lehigh University Bridge Club the last three years. Watching the young players (having brought 30+ students into ACBL membership) learn and compete is my bridge highlight.

My advice to bridge players, is to learn something new every time you play.

Jane Iannello – NABC Master

I owe my bridge career to an elderly uncle who once told me not to retire until I learned to play bridge. He felt I would not have enough to do. I think there was a lot of truth in that advice.

I began learning bridge by printing beginning lessons from the internet and reading and rereading those pages until the words made sense. Once I had a bit of confidence and a little knowledge, I played in person with a kindly gentleman who had thousands of points. He asked me how many points I had, I was embarrassed to tell him I thought I had eight! I learned so much from him; he was so patient and after every game he would say he enjoyed playing with me and thanked me. I know now how fortunate I was to have met him. I doubt many players would be that kind.

I played with him until he passed. We played together almost daily, certainly, every day he wanted to play. Bridge became his life, all he cared about. I surely was the benefactor of his skill, knowledge and tolerance.

Today I play with another elderly gentleman who is an accomplished, superior player and, a woman who is also more experienced than I. Thankfully, I continue to learn from them both!

Bliss Clark – Club Master

I played tournament bridge in the 70’s then stopped to attend medical school, and gave it up entirely until around 2020 when I discovered Bridgebase and started playing online. I started playing as well, on Bridgebase, with my sister who continued to play throughout the time I had stopped playing.

I have now taken a serious approach to the game and have read several books by Max Hardy and Mike Lawrence. I played 2/1 in the 70’s, to the degree it existed then and played precision as well, but I prefer 2/1 with adjuncts. My current problem is that I only have 170+ MPs and I humbly believe my level of play is better than my current MP total would indicate. I have been paired with MP equivalent players at two venues, one in Center City Philadelphia (not the new game that just started of which I shall avail myself) and the other in King of Prussia-both players were not at my level. The problem with getting a better pick up partner is that most better players already have a permanent partner. I am beginning to get resigned to the fact that I may have to accept the pick-up partners I get.

I am going to try to play in the Philadelphia Regional in August. I guess at some point I will get to Life Master but…as delusional as it may sound, my real intention is to WIN tournaments! I do continue to play with my sister and have been able to improve her game, particularly regarding bidding so there’s always that.

David Laskin – Life Master

My bridge journey began on December 31, 2019, when I attained my first master points. I learned bridge during COVID and had always felt that I was a didactic learner during my years of classroom education. COVID took that away from me!

During the ensuing years, I was humbled, humiliated, frustrated, disappointed, and disgusted. However, I dedicated myself to reading, studying hands, and playing with lovely people. Now, it has come to fruition! District 4 is filled with wonderful people who are kind and quite willing to provide guidance and support, giving of themselves to help to enhance your play and understanding.

After being embarrassed at the Philadelphia National last summer (I even played on my 43rd wedding anniversary), I set three goals for myself in bridge:

1) Attain Life Master

2) Help and support my partners and friends in achieving their bridge goals

3) Continue having fun at the tables

Bridge is an outstanding game, and I look forward to many more opportunities to continue embracing this labor of love!

4 THE LOVE OF BRIDGE

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