I play for the socialization, and although I like the personal challenge, playing better, not winning, is the goal. Classes sponsored by the club were a great help. July Ratley in particular is an outstanding teacher.

One of the best things … well, two actually … at our club: they set up a group of novice tables so we, who have not been playing since the womb, weren’t intimidated by the more experienced players who had a list of 90 million conventions we didn’t understand … and it became a great group; competitive but not overwhelming. Secondly, and to keep the novice group moving, they finally set a clock. No more half-hour delays between rounds!

The ACBL can serve me better by having more groups where we are moving, Roseville, CA. It seems the nearest and only club in the area is limited to residents of Sun City. If there are others, I’d sure like to hear about them.