March Madness at the Table?

March Madness means Tournament of 65 college basketball teams, in which all teams battle to a sudden death situation, meaning if they lose they lose. It’s just that simple, right?

Well, take that to the bridge table and chomp on it. Yes, it can be March Madness each time we play the game, and we’re hoping to remove the mad from madness, and replace it with glad; displaying our “Cool-as-a Cucumber’ attitude. When you know you have your opponents over a barrel, graciously accept the win. For some folks, this is the only social outlet they have, and correcting new players when they’ve made a mistake and gloating, is downright distasteful.  If the other team asks for your opinion, so be it; but unauthorized criticism is best kept to yourself. And yes, I’ve given my share of unsolicited advice. Mum’s the word!

Have you ever had to eat humble pie? Well, I’ve eaten my share at the bridge table. I don’t like losing, and I don’t think you do either. Losing gracefully is a misnomer. Others at the table will console you with “We all come in last sometime” “Heck, it’s only a game”, but when they lose, they become crusty crabs or worse, snapping turtles and just watch their faces turn beet red. And then they’re the grumbler, like myself, who complain because we just can’t get a good hand. I have heard some say, “We’re bored playing defense”. Well, I’m again turning over a new leaf, by accepting what I’ve been dealt and keeping a poker face. (That will require me to put a bag over head)

Keep your head high!

Lisa Assoni/ShortCut Cook