My Life Master story began several years ago with beginner lessons from Deb Crisfield at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. She was and still is a superb teacher- extremely organized, motivated, and made the lessons fun!! Many of her students have gone on to become accomplished players.
My first master points were obtained at a local tournament with Clair Rolan, a life master at that time and my first mentor as my partner. She was a wonderful lady who loved to play any new convention! We became good friends, and when she was courageously dying from cancer, I got an urgent phone call when I was vacationing in the Jungles of Mexico. She had stopped all of her treatments and wanted to talk to me before she passed away. She wanted me to promise her that I would play bridge with her in heaven!!! (I told her that I would, but there was one problem – I may not reach heaven. That may have resulted in her last laugh!).
I would like to thank all of the bridge players at the Philadelphia Cricket Club who put up with me as their partner, as well as Wes Powers, the superb director of the Philadelphia Cricket Club and Whitemarsh Valley Country Club games.
I’m Alvin Guo, 12 years old, living in Beijing with my family, I am studying at International School of Beijing, will be on Grade 7 by this Sept.
Firstly, very well rest before the competition made me stay fully focused during the games which could make a good use of my skills. For instance, together with my peer we stopped the contact at 7NT. But we noticed that the opponent’s card may block us from doing so afterwards, I use a safety play to make it then.
Reaching 
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.