by Robin Roseau
Friendly Play
Playing well and playing in a “friendly” fashion can put you at cross purposes. I’ve played with friends who do not bid aggressively, and thus they win the bid far less than their “fair” share. This can be demoralizing for them and takes the fun away for them. You have to make a decision about this. I play to win, but I want everyone to have a good time. I would win more games if I consistently bid aggressively, but I might have fewer people willing to play with me if I did so.
Neither style is “right” because winning isn’t everything.
On the other hand, I find it frustrating when playing with people who are interested in chit-chat and always need to be prompted to actually pick up their hands and sort them because everyone else is waiting. I can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. It’s kind of like going to a restaurant. Sit down, decide what you’re going to have, then talk. Don’t wait for the server to arrive before looking at the menu. There’s time for both. If we’re going to chat, we can play Kings in the Corner or leave the cards alone.
In my circles, it is common to analyze hands after they are played. It’s part of the fun. “Why did you…” is a common question. “What was in the blind” is asked even more often, usually by someone who didn’t bid. “Oh, I should have bid” or “I’m glad I didn’t bid” are the typical responses after learning what was waiting.
What works in your circle may not work in mine. Some people are there to chat, and the cards are secondary. Some people bid less aggressively, and if there’s only one person in the group who bids aggressively, it can seem like bullying.
I don’t care for trash talk in any competitions. In fact, I wrote an entire novel based on how much I dislike trash talk — Fitting In. I absolutely hate it. I find it exceedingly ungracious. It’s one thing to be pleased because you finessed the cards and made your queen good. It’s another to tell your opponents what a bad night they’re going to have, what a superior player you are, or any of that. I find a lot of trash talk — or a lot of over-aggressive play — brings out the ugly in me. I don’t care to be an ugly person, so I avoid the situations that induce it.
Conclusions
It seems like a complicated game. It’s not that bad. The jacks confuse people. Scoring seems to confuse people. But compared to bridge, 500 is dead simple.
About the Author
A writer by avocation, Robin has a renaissance interest in many areas. A bit of a gypsy, Robin has called a few places home and has traveled widely. A love of the outdoors, animals in general and experimenting with world cuisines, Robin and partner share their home with a menagerie of pets and guests, although sometimes it is difficult to discern who is whom.
Robin can be reached via email as [email protected]. Robin’s web site is http://www.robin-roseau.com.
Seer
Copyright 2014 by Robin Roseau
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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.
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