How many of you are familiar with the Kenny Rogers song “The Gambler”? There are a few lines in this song that we can apply to our bridge game. We need to know when to bid on, when to pull out the green card, and when to finesse, as well as remember to count how many trumps have been played, and so on. 

Using The Gambler’s mindset may not always work. But here is an example of when it might come in handy and save you. Let’s say you fall in love with your hand and are dying for your partner to bid. When they pass, should you “fold ‘em” and “walk away”? Or do something else? 

Another part of the song says, “Every gambler knows that the secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep. Cause every hand’s a winner and every hand’s a loser.” Isn’t that the truth in bridge! For example, you are on defense and have 3 cards left. Which one should you keep in order to set the Opp’s contract? Did you count correctly to remember that your small diamond can take the last trick? 

We have a fabulous regional tournament coming up at Seaside, and I would love to see all of you I/Ners there! We have our own games that are limited to people with 0-750 master points, so we can compete with players with similar experience. We have 3 fabulous FREE classes Wednesday through Friday. Don Marsh is teaching, and I can tell you from personal experience, you will leave those classes with important bridge skills that even The Gambler would appreciate! 

Let’s all have fun exploring when to be The Gambler at Seaside.

Susie