The Pittsburgh Bridge Association Board decided it was time to take the fear out of duplicate bridge for new players. A duplicate bridge game was planned with a relaxed introduction, comfortable pace and welcoming Holiday atmosphere. Duplicate bridge is about improving together. It is getting better, one hand at a time, with people who are doing the same.
On Saturday, December 13, at 12pm, 28 new bridge players entered the Community Room at Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley, PA. The players were from various parts of Pittsburgh. The tables were set - boards neatly in place, and Bridgemates were ready. The coffee was brewing. Two auction baskets waited quietly for attention.
Presiding over it all was Bill Holt, who organized the game and efficiently directed players to their tables, assigning North-South and East-West with calm authority and humor. Within minutes, everyone was seated, oriented, caffeinated, and ready to play. The game followed a Mitchell movement, meaning North-South Pairs stayed and East-West did the traveling from table to table. Everyone played the same boards, met new opponents, and discovered some hands are tricky no matter who’s holding them. Gus Costanzo was the director. Marilyn Sittig and Terri Tunick were the bridge assistants.
After two rounds, bridge players enjoyed delicious sandwiches, chips and gourmet cookies that mysteriously disappeared at a rapid pace. Heidi McMurray won the Italian Basket and Donna Ottoviani won the Bridge Accessory Basket. After lunch, it was back to playing bridge. By removing pressure and adding encouragement, duplicate bridge stops feeling intimidating and starts to feel accessible. New players discover that duplicate bridge can be welcoming, social and fun! It was truly an enjoyable afternoon for all.
So come join duplicate bridge!
