How I Reached Club Master

by Carolyn Wade

 

I learned to play bridge in college.  I went to Dartmouth College and lived in McLane, one of the least-desirable dorms, as far away from the rest of campus life possible.  There was always a bridge game in the commons room, and after a short while of watching, I was invited to play.  I played as much as I could.  

 

After graduation, I went to the University of Oregon School of Law, where there was almost always a game going on in the lounge.  I played as much as possible (probably too much!) during the school year.  During the summers, I returned to the Portland area to live with my family and clerk with Portland firms.  I discovered duplicate bridge with the Ace of Clubs in Beaverton, where I played seven days a week, as my boyfriend (now husband) lived two hours away in Eugene.  

 

After two summers of duplicate, it was time to  graduate, take the bar examination, marry, and begin my career in Eugene.  I was a new lawyer, had two young stepsons, and my husband was still in law school.  We agreed to play only party bridge.  I had approximately 10 Masterpoints.

 

It’s been my goal to return to duplicate as soon as possible after I retired and I was finally able to do so this past January.  I was beyond lucky to find the friendliest club possible in Springfield, the Emerald Bridge Club.  The owners, Don Marsh and Sherri Morgan, have been generous with advice and directing me to the right people to be my partners.  

 

I’ve had such fun playing and making friends and learning 2/1, some of the conventions I’ve forgotten in 45 years, and new conventions.  Sometimes I think my brain will burst, but it’s so great to have it full of bridge rather than statutes and cases!  

 

It’s the people that make it wonderful.

 

Carolyn Wade