USA My topic this month is bridge bullies. About nine months ago I wrote an article about these odious folk in our local Palo Alto newsletter. In our unit, we have an active, energetic board of directors that go all out to promote and underwrite new bridge classes for beginners, and we have first rate teachers. On top of all that, we have a steady stream of new retirees like myself returning to the game. I quickly concluded that the problem was bridge bullies.
Bridge bullies chase away all but the most dogged newcomers.
And they do it faster that we can bring new players in. I distinctly remember my own experiences with these clowns. In the early days of my bridge player return, I went home angry and irritated a lot more often than being happy after three hours of entertainment. Newcomers, though they don't intend to, incite bullies and bully-like people. They eye bidding boxes warily and spill things.