01:29 26 February 2014 by GS Jade Barrett, CsbNews correspondent
«Living the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causing you to bump into people not going your way» – Edna Ferber
Every city that the Great American Bridge Tour visits has at least one strong team. Their experience may not match ours on paper or their methods may be outdated, but they are accustomed to winning just the same.
Given the confidence level of most players, it surprises me how many people allowed themselves to become anxiety ridden when facing off against more experienced opponents. The fact that there is no secret talent to the game, that the competitions are primarily settled by who makes the fewest mistakes, is frequently overlooked by these athletes. The game is settled almost exclusively by who wants to work the hardest.
Though a little bit of playing luck can go a long way.
Just because you lost to these people before, does not assure you of failure the next time. Sometimes, its just your day and will remain so if you always look forward.