Ideas about the ways to improve the joy of our Beloved Game have kept me awake for some time. Please consider the following as an "ad hoc" cure for my insomnia …

Idea #1 - When arriving to a new table each player should place their convention card in front of their opponent. If the opponent does not want it, they can immediately return it. Otherwise each one will keep the card throughout the round, except when entering the score. In this way it will be much easier to follow the opponents' auction and be reminded of their defensive agreements during the play of the hand. Will also preclude players from looking at their own convention card: … against the rules, but often done anyway. Will also force people to fill out their cards and have the two of the same content, which often is not the case.

Idea #2 - When using bidding boxes the auction (the cards) should remain on the table until the dummy’s cards are faced. Normal practice in Europe, and some other continents, but not in the U.S. This method will permit all players to review the auction prior to playing to the first trick. Better yet, it will eliminate the need to ask who is on lead (an annoying practice), not to speak about leads out-of-turn.

Idea #3 - Currently all sectional tournaments are scheduled during weekends or include holidays. In our Unit, where the vast majority of members are retired, we can have tournaments during the week. For example, on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (or Thursday in lieu of Monday), thus freeing up weekends for the players. It could also open up playing facilities that are not available "normally".

Idea #4 - When I was playing bridge twenty years ago, the Swiss Team on Sunday started at Noon and had eight seven-board matches. Over the years the starting times have gotten earlier and the number of boards per match decreased. Let's go back to the way it was. The change would allow us to play more bridge, which is the reason you and I are at the tournament. It will also make it much easier for out-of-towners to participate. When I have to drive an hour and one half to a tournament I won't, if start is at 10:00 A.M., but will if at Noon.

Idea #5 - We should not have Senior Tournaments. Most of our members are Seniors anyway, so why exclude the few who are not. Worse yet, it waters down the match point awards. Example: … I just won 4.13 points at a local club, coming in second in a Club Championship. This was more than first place at the Senior Tournament.

Idea #6 - There should be regular reports to the membership on the web site. The Newsletter is a great document for this purpose. In particular, there should be a Treasurer's report every quarter. This dissemination of information should help the Unit avoid any fiscal difficulties.

I’ll sleep better tonight.

Addendum by WebMaster:

This is a plateful of food for thought. Please send us your reflections, comments, rebuttals and the like. We would very much like to hear from you, either on these subjects, or anything else, that may come to your mind. Click the Mail-In tray to get the direct E-Mail connection.