Bloggy Moms April Blog Dare
Day Four
This month the Bloggy Moms were given a Blog Dare. Each day we receive a lead in phrase to the article for the group. Come along with me as I try to keep pace with the Bloggy Moms Blog Dare challenge.
I was nervous but decided that I would…study for the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Director’s Exam. Whew! Who knew you needed a license to run a card game?
This journey began almost five years ago when I agreed to tutor my mother and another friend for the upcoming ACBL Director’s exam. After spending hours upon hours studying the laws, conventions and rulings for the game with my group..I decided to go for it myself!
Honestly, this test was harder than my Florida Real Estate Broker’s Exam!
Thankfully all three of us passed the exam and are now Licensed Bridge Directors. This means that we can own and or run sanctioned duplicate bridge games where players can earn Master Points. In Duplicate Bridge, you don’t earn money but are ranked internationally by the total Master Points you have earned. There are several colors of points which each have a different weighted value based on the level of play (local club, district, regional or national competition).
Players of this game are usually older folks. However, my passion is in teaching the teens to play. The game itself is so challenging and it varies with each deal of the cards. It makes you think, makes you use reason… both areas of training that our children need more practice.
If you grew up with your mom and her friends playing cards once a week…it was probably what is called: Kitchen Bridge mainly because it was usually played in the kitchen. Duplicate Bridge is different in that everyone in the room is playing the same hand at the same time.
If you consider a table having four sides (North, East, South West); then everyone sitting in the East seat is looking at the same cards you are for that hand. You and your partner (person across the table from you) are scored against everyone sitting in the same position at the table for that and each of the hands. Whichever pair sitting in the same direction (NS or EW) that earns the best score for that hand wins the Master Points. This is of course a little over simplified but you can get the idea.
Interested in learning more about Duplicate Bridge? Visit the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) to find a local club or a local teacher. If you are more of an online person, visit Bridge Base Online (BBO) and sign up for a free account. BBO offers free lessons and has a wonderful software program you can download. Should you decide to join the ACBL, please use my recruiter number 4884773. I will receive notification of your joining and we might be able to play on BBO or at one of the many competitions around the world for ACBL.
Bridge – It’s not just your Momma’s game anymore!
Previous articles in this challenge….
Day One https://sherrylwilson.com/bloggy-moms-april-blog-dare-day-one/
Day Two https://sherrylwilson.com/bloggy-moms-april-blog-dare-day-two/
Day Three https://sherrylwilson.com/bloggy-moms-april-blog-dare-day-three/
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