[ASC87]

Sharing my experience of learning the game:)
https://news.bridgeb...hat-the-bridge/

[diana_eva]

ASC87, on 2024-October-20, 16:38, said:

Sharing my experience of learning the game:)
https://news.bridgeb...hat-the-bridge/

I loved reading that, Aisha. Nice to see you in the Forums <3

[ASC87]

Thank you so much for constant support and encouragement 🙏

[thepossum]

Maybe women get treated differently
I have met so many obnoxious characters at Bridge tables on and offline
Enough to put you off the game
I feel I should not be discouraging to beginners and othrs starting out but defining obnoxiousness as humour is very generous
And while I have exeprienced good and genuinely funny humour at Bridge tables I think that is a rare commodity altogether
While still hanging out in this forum my Bridge experience goes back a long way. On and offline

[ASC87]

 thepossum, on 2024-October-24, 04:34, said:

Maybe women get treated differently
I have met so many obnoxious characters at Bridge tables on and offline
Enough to put you off the game
I feel I should not be discouraging to beginners and othrs starting out but defining obnoxiousness as humour is very generous
And while I have exeprienced good and genuinely funny humour at Bridge tables I think that is a rare commodity altogether
While still hanging out in this forum my Bridge experience goes back a long way. On and offline

I hear you—it’s sad how some people’s behaviour can really spoil the fun. Bridge should be about enjoying the game and encouraging a sense of community, but it seems like some people miss the mark. I agree that equating obnoxiousness with humour is a stretch. It can be tough, especially for newbies, when cynical behaviour is brushed off as "just part of the culture." That being said, it’s great to learn about genuine humour at the table—it gives hope that there are still spaces preserving the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Let’s hope for more players who have similar thought processes.

[pescetom]

 ASC87, on 2024-October-24, 13:28, said:

I hear you—it’s sad how some people’s behaviour can really spoil the fun. Bridge should be about enjoying the game and encouraging a sense of community, but it seems like some people miss the mark. I agree that equating obnoxiousness with humour is a stretch. It can be tough, especially for newbies, when cynical behaviour is brushed off as "just part of the culture." That being said, it’s great to learn about genuine humour at the table—it gives hope that there are still spaces preserving the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Let’s hope for more players who have similar thought processes.

I have never hidden my conviction that bridge will only become a fair game when all bidding and play is electronic, partner is not visible, agreements are automatically disclosed and tempo is obscured.
But despite that, traditional f2f play has some social advantages and I do doubt that most people find more obnoxiousness than genuine humour. I put up with f2f precisely because I enjoy the social interaction and we have a lot of laughs at ourselves and each other.
Don't be afraid to change club, or try to change the club - I had to do both, but it worked in the end.

As for BBO, if you want to play with strangers then you need a willingness to take what comes (to put it diplomatically, Looking for Mr Goodbar comes to mind). If you stick to a known human or robot partner then it should be fairly painless, just say hello (amazing how much difference that does make) and be polite to opps and TD even if you don't obtain your rights.

[ASC87]

 pescetom, on 2024-October-24, 14:14, said:

I have never hidden my conviction that bridge will only become a fair game when all bidding and play is electronic, the partner is not visible, agreements are automatically disclosed and tempo is obscured.
But despite that, traditional f2f play has some social advantages and I do doubt that most people find more obnoxiousness than genuine humour. I put up with f2f precisely because I enjoy the social interaction and we have a lot of laughs at ourselves and each other.
Don't be afraid to change club, or try to change the club - I had to do both, but it worked in the end.

As for BBO, if you want to play with strangers then you need a willingness to take what comes (to put it diplomatically, Looking for Mr Goodbar comes to mind). If you stick to a known human or robot partner then it should be fairly painless, just say hello (amazing how much difference that does make) and be polite to opps and TD even if you don't obtain your rights.

So apt. I have generally a thick skin for rudeness but that's me. I channelise it by humour or writing but I am sure many would yet to learn this over time.
But I agree with you, it's partially the informed decision and choice you make. Having said that, this still doesn't take away the onus from the other person.
Thank you so very much for sharing these insights :]