V N Ramamoorthy
"Jingle bells and tricks all the way!"
It is Xmas season. Time for festivities, camaraderie, friendship, flowers, gifts, presents and the inevitable cake.
A bridge tourney is also like a Xmas carnival. You can witness pleasantries, bursts of laughter, merriment, old jokes cracked and enjoyed even at the risk of repetition 😂
But the overall excitement and the spirit of competition, irrespective of whether you win or lose is unmatched.
The bridge table, probably, is the only place where you can have your cake and eat it too!
You compliment some one for his / her clever bid, tactful play or defense and see how his /her face blossoms with pride! In a moment you get a smile, a pat or a hug and you are partaking in the joy. As if the cake belongs to you 🌹
Tricks and treats for Halloween, but treats for tricks - only in Bridge! (Numerically the two are connected - Dec 25 = Oct 31)
Xmas brings in trees, colorful lights, gifts and presents galore. Thanks to Santa Claus.
And in bridge there are many Santas - male and female - with bags full of gifts for the asking! You must have the spirit to accept them gleefully to your advantage on the table .
Giving gifts for Xmas is civil alright, but giving it on a bridge table is criminal.
It is better you be a Shylock and not a Santa when you play bridge.
If you are done with Christmas, do not despair.. New Year is around the corner waiting with new promises and more gifts, perhaps!
Advance greetings for a merry Xmas and Happy New year.
Happy bridging,
VNR
Disclaimer : All opinions are entirely those of the author and are no reflection of the views of the BridgeFromHome Team.