 |  |
Letter from a Player
Becoming a Life Master at Bridge
Becoming a Life Master at Bridge
Left to right: Enid Smith-Helck and Sherry Lieb
Unit 140 Newplicate Sectional Tournament 2014
Jersey Bridge Club, West Long Branch, NJ
By Sherry Lieb
Eight years ago my dear friend moved to Florida to join other snowbirds for the winter. She had been a bridge player for years and encouraged me to learn the game. She sent me information about the Essex Bridge Center in Livingston where I signed up for free lessons for beginners. I had just resigned from a volunteer position where I worked several days a week for many years. It opened up a whole new world for me.
Not only did I learn a game that was fun, but it was stimulating as well. I had recently learned that my oldest sister was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and I was determined to learn the game and hopefully become a life master in this lifetime!
One of the most rewarding things about bridge in addition to the game is the people with whom you interact. I started out knowing no one at the beginners level. I met players from different walks of life and different ages with a common bond—BRIDGE. As a result, Iformed meaningful relationships. I still socialize with my first bridge partner, communicate with my second partner who moved out West, and continue to enjoy the company of my current partner both at the card table and beyond.
I started travelling in the tristate area to accumulate different colored points two years after I learned to play.There, too, I enjoyed the company ofmy partners and teammates where we cheered one another on. I even found most of my competitors to be likeable. While traveling away from home, I was most welcomed at new bridge clubs as well.
Now that I’ve achieved my goal of becoming a life master, I will continue to enjoy the game without the pressure of a “must win” and really learn how to play bridge!!