Growing Up in the Philippines in the mid 1940's, the word. "Bridge", the Card Game, I have never heard before. However, in my first year of graduate school at the University of Illinois, in Chicago(1960). my American classmates and dorm mates introduced me to the Game. After my Ph.D graduation, I taught my wife to play Party Bridge-as one of our social priorities, adjusting to the life in the US. Macrine (RIP) and I played Party Bridge for several decades.
When we moved to California in the 1980's, we played Duplicate ( Competitive bridge) for points for about 5 years. We gathered more than 200 master Junior points when in 1990 we moved to Washington DC and we stopped playing. When I retired in 2002, we resumed playing party bridge and stopped after 3 years.
It was only in 2003 when I moved here at THD, after hiatus of not playing bridge for 20 years, I resumed playing bridge. Today, I play Party Bridge 4 days a week and it is one of the Activities, I enjoy here at THD. Other activities, I enjoy is playing Asian Mahjong ( Philippine style), chair volley ball, corn hole, ladder ball and some of the Art and Crafts Activities. The above image is the ten rules of Mastering playing bridge. My favorite rules are also #2 and #10.
"Becoming a great declarer isn’t just about having the right cards. it’s about having a plan. Whether you’re navigating a tricky 4H contract or trying to find that extra trick in 3NT, these 10 rules are your roadmap to success.
My favorite? Rule #2: Make a plan at trick one. It’s the difference between a smooth ride and a total wreck! Which of these rules do you find the hardest to follow when the pressure is on "?
My Personal Preference are the No trump Bids, which gave you the extra 10 points. In duplicate play, this extra 10 points could mean first place ranking or the lowest, thus more master points. For example if you bid 3NT and Made 4, that is 130 points versus making 4 in either Hearts or Spades, which is only 120 points.
Currently, Here at THD we have two days per Week of Bridge open to All Residents. The Monday Group with 2 tables and the Friday Group with 3 tables. If you like to play and be in the sublist, call me at 925-378-7740 for the Monday Game or Doris Rosen ( 707-590-8555) for the Friday Game. We put a Dollar per person and all Games start at 12:30PM. The game usually ends at 3PM or earlier.
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Meanwhile, the Senior Moment. 
Pronunciation: /ˈsiːniər ˈmoʊmənt/ (noun)
Usage: “I forgot we were playing Blackwood and passed your 4NT. Sorry partner, total senior moment.” It is the sudden, inexplicable evaporation of bridge knowledge.
Bridge is a game of immense mental complexity, requiring memory, logic, and concentration. Sometimes, the brain just… blinks. A “Senior Moment” is that split second where a player forgets a convention they have played for 30 years, loses count of trumps, or pulls the wrong card from their hand.
Despite the name, it strikes players of all ages. It is the great equalizer that reminds us we are human, not computers. When it happens, the only proper response is a sheepish grin and an apology to your partner.
Why is Bridge called a MindSport?
Bridge is called a MindSport because it requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills. Players need to analyze complex situations, deduce information, and make informed decisions, which exercises the brain and challenges cognitive abilities. The game's bidding system, card play, and partnership dynamics also involve critical thinking, logical reasoning, and communication, all essential skills for a MindSport.
The 2/1 Bidding System:
The 2/1 (Two-Over-One) system is important in bridge because it allows partners to communicate more effectively and reach better contracts. By bidding a new suit at the two level after partner opens with a major, you're showing strength and committing to game, which helps expert partnerships reach optimal contracts consistently. This system simplifies communication and reduces ambiguity, enabling players to focus on strategy rather than guessing each other's hand strength.
Personal Note:
In my Friday, the 13th blog, I wrote that if I won again during our 3-Table Bridge Game every Friday, I would call that Day my Lucky Day. I did won with one of the Hands dealt to me :I had never experienced having a Hand with 9 spades from A,K,Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6, with a void in Diamond, singleton In Clubs and with the A, Q and 10 of Hearts.
My Left Hand Opponent opens with One Heart, My Partner Passed, My Right Hand Opponent Bid 2 Hearts. My partner has a singleton heart, 3 spades. 6 low diamonds and the K and Q and 5 of Clubs.
I Bid 6 Spades without hesitation. My Partner gave me a look of Surprise. My Left Hand Opponent lead the Ace of Diamond. I trumped it. The Hands was a lay down, only losing to the Ace of Clubs.
Have you ever been dealt with a Hand that you will always remember? The above hand, I will never forget!
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