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Home arrow Misc arrow Column Archives arrow Sincerely Somma arrow Christmas is Coming . . .
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and Why I'm Thankful

I know Charlie White is a knowledgeable sports fan (even if he roots for the Mets) and a good bridge player.  Until recently, I didn’t realize what a philosopher he was.

Against Mike Miller and me, Charlie made a rather dubious overcall, was doubled, and rang up a big minus number.  After apologizing to his partner, Pat Clark, we ended the round with a discussion about the modern game of duplicate bridge.

Charlie believes that the pursuit of matchpoints has warped our way of thinking about the game.  “When I came to Florida, “ Charlie stated, “we played bridge as a social activity. Now everything seems geared to getting as many MP’s as you can.”  

I reflected on this: Charlie is right and I am one of the chief culprits.  Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead - I know everything so partner just follow my lead.  The NCBC issues a list of District 9 MP Leaders - I should know I relay this information to Pat Clark for inclusion in the Daily-Recap.  Over the last six years, I have played with Adam Kaplan quite extensively and we have racked up a bunch of MP’s.  But there is a price to pay for this quest to achieve MP’s.  Adam has progressed to the next level and I am proud that I helped him in some small measure to achieve his current status.  My time with him will always be treasured.

So as Christmas nears, I am altering my philosophy - I will strive to become a pleasant partner (watch out Pat).  Following Charlie’s lead, I will play bridge as a social activity. So my partner and I don’t get 1.35 MP’s only 0.88 - big deal.  As my 74th birthday nears, I will be thankful that I play with and against some of the best people on this planet, for example:

When Charlotte Kartsonis and Marion Ellingsen ring up a top against us, I will appreciate their bidding schemes and skillful defense.  You didn’t do anything wrong partner, they are just too good for us.

I will appreciate Jim Logan’s superb declarer technique and Ann’s skillful Precision bidding that gets the pair to the best contract.

I will admire Joan Waite’s flamboyant bidding style and Pat Foster’s quiet fortidude that make them an outstanding team.

I will find great enjoyment in Carol Hargrave’s textbook bidding and play against and with some very un-textbook like characters - like me.

I will enjoy Ann Pullman’s lovely smile while all the time she grits under her breath, ‘Jim missed Rosenkranz - AGAIN!’

There is not enough room to cite the others who make my days at NCBC so pleasant. However, I will be thankful that there is no game on Christmas Day so that on my birthday the Spring Hill Choir will not be able to sing “a cappella” and badly offkey “Happy Birthday.”  I may just restore my drum kit from the attic and serenade my wife with “Silent Night.”

Sincerely, Jim Somma
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Pat Clark  - Hear, hear (or is it here, here)   |2009-12-14 19:45:35
One's partner's attitude makes a HUGE difference in how well each person plays. Right, Millie?

I can vouch for Jim's attitude change. Wanting to learn something of Precision, I asked him to play a few games, but, frankly, having been the subject of his barbs in the past, I was steeled to the possibility of his wrath.

No such thing has happened. He states an opinion on a better bid or a better play, but that's it. It's been a real pleasure, Jim.

This is what I was referring to in contradicting the "Zero Tolerance" policy's name -- it's negative. I believe more change will occur with "More Tolerance," not zero.
Mary Ann   |2009-12-15 16:20:05
Glad to hear you're a reformed character. We should all try harder to have a good time and to forgive mistakes--our own and others!
Carol H.   |2009-12-16 20:49:31
Jim, you are always pleasant to me. it's me who is a pain in the ass if you make a mistake. My New Year's resolution--be nice to partner. Lee will certainly be happy to hear that. I always enjoy our games.

carol
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