06:01 5 March 2014 by GS Jade Barrett, CsbNews correspondent Jackie Chan
“Why did I become Jackie Chan? Mostly because I work very hard. When people were sleeping, I was still training” – Jackie Chan
There are never enough hours in the day for the devoted (perhaps some would use the term “compulsive”). It is not unusual for these particularly driven athletes to feel guilty nearly every time they succumb to a rest period. It simply feels like an ill afforded luxury.
Professionals seem to come in two groups: those who partake as an avocation; those who play ad a vocation.
I am firmly ensconced in the latter.
To not play is to deny much of who I am: I actually feel poorly when I take a day off. My late sister, Connie, often discussed the similarities between her need to practice her cello with my drive to work on my game: “I don’t like practicing, I just have to”.
To be certain, I enjoy the sense of accomplishment of a job well done, but I suffer from performing in less a manner than I could. The odd part is that a weak performance is a motivation to return to the table and go at it once again.
While I am convinced that to harbor the belief that anyone can play bridge perfectly is a sure path to madness – and I am certain that more than a few of my fellow competitors believe that I have already obtained that state – the effort to play that well remains my goal. There is always another task to accomplish, another genuinely unique opportunity to experience.
Some years ago I was competing against Toshi (I regretfully forget the gentleman’s last name) at a tournament in Houston, Texas. He had been considering his options for nearly five minutes when I suggested that he appeared to have a problem.
“I do”, he replied. “Every hand. That’s why I keep coming back”.
The Warren Buffett Cup revives the challenge match idea. In the 1930s, the first great heyday of bridge, transatlantic matches between the best players in the United States and Europe were a regular feature of the day...
Rule: When you as a defender have four of declarer’s trumps, you should lead your longest other (non-trump) suit in hopes that declarer is short in that suit.
Some of the best players in the world are Brazilians, and some of the most enthusiastic players too! Our Brazilian Online Festival has appeal to players of all levels. Your team will play in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, with very well-organized scoring and experienced Directors to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
Come and join the competition through our Providers, BBO, Funbridge and Ourgame, all offering you this great opportunity – we look forward to some challenging tournaments!”
An endplay (also throw-in), in bridge, is a tactical play where a defender is put on lead at a strategic moment, and then has to make a play that loses one or more tricks.
The Championship is open to all players born on or after 1st January 1992 (Juniors & Girls) or born on or after 1st January 1997 (Youngsters) or born on or after 1st January 2002 (Kids) in good standing with their own NBOs.
