The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-10-30
GEORGE FITCH. HUMORLST,
EXPLAINS BRIDGE WHIST
balanced once q

the books being balanced once q
Bridge has become immensely popu-
lar in society circles for several rea-
with the necessity for conversation.
thus putting the rich and the inteIt-
gent on an equality. In the second
place, 1t provides a polite and compare
lively painless method of distributing
wealth, into which the socialists would
good knowledge of bridge gives the
player unlimited facilities for showing
caA~. superiority, naughty disdain.
ANY ssd contempt. and other express
siol& which distinguish the real things
from the bargain counter brigade.
AS a rule n special costume Is pre-
scribed for bridge players. In London.
however, women are supposed TO play
the game In tight-titting costumes with
short sleeves. Formerly. when long.
found in certain circles thai when a
society leaders, hand was very poor che
generally managed to wee q few
cards off the table With her Noluminous
cuffs. thus mixing up the game and
putting the auditor under a great dis
abolished in poker games in the west
many years ago. but for a different rea-
son. Whereas the London sleeves got
the cards off the table. the Nevada
| sleeves got them on the table. The
former was harder on the reputation.
but the latter was more detrimental
| to the health.
There are two kinds of bridge whist
bridge for fun and bridge for blood.
The rules of play In the former are
comparatively simple. but ihNthe latter
there are as many rules as there arc
in golf when 1t is being played by two
Scotchmen. In a game for blood where
| each player is counting on paying gro
Gerry bills II the right card is turned
| nothing is left to chance. The con-
and the only word allowed during play
are prescribed by the rules. This is
necessary, owing to the great chance
for signaling between partners. A mild
and inoffensive word like "DshaW,'
may mean only indignation to the OPP
position. while to Nour partner 1T may
mean: Lead trulnps and divide the
swag in the alley later" In the highest
circles where bridge is PLAYED with
the passion OF the true artist. a Wink
or n sneeze may be as serious to tho
winker's or sneezcr's reputation as n
card game.
AS a celebrated authority OH bridge
has remarked, perfection in the game
is accomplished SLOWLY and after long
effort. One may earn tho political
gane In a year, and in the course of IL
few years may perfect himself in as
tronomy, Sanskrit, biology, and bridge
building. Perfection in bridge. how
ever, is not so easy a matter. 1t re.
quires not only a knowledge OF the 1.lll
rules and penalties. tho best plays,
and the best methods of settling large
debts on n small income, but 1T calls for
great skill in deduction and mind read
ing. The. accomplished player is sup
posed to read by the play Of a card
not only the intention of the player but
the hand which lie holds. Naturally,
only long practice will enable you to
know that when an opponent has put
n three spot of clubs on your ace Of
trumps she holds four more clubs. Is
short on spades. will take the second
trick in diamonds. owes for the dia-
monds she wears, ana has a hole in the
heel of her left stocking. Yet this i.
cniid's play TO the accomplished bridge
. player.