I play bridge three times a week.  I buy bridge books and read them. I take lessons and continually work to improve my game.

So what keeps me coming back?

Some days I play well and I leave the table feeling happy and satisfied. Other days are very different.

Last week, I played terribly and finished in last place. I was humbled, disappointed and
frustrated. At home, I reviewed the score sheets. Oh my….there were bidding
mistakes, declarer play errors and missed opportunities.

But later that evening, I realized something. I love bridge.

I love the strategy, the challenges and the endless opportunity to learn and play. I relish the competition that bridge provides. There is something special about watching an accomplished player make a brilliant bid or execute a masterful play of a card. A sincere compliment from a fellow player for a well-played hand brings me an inner smile. Those moments remind me that every lesson, every mistake, and every game is part of becoming a better player. Every game teaches me something new, whether I win or lose.

Bridge may outplay me on some days, but it never defeats my desire to come back and try again.

And that’s why I’ll be sitting at the bridge table again next week. My best game may be the very next one.

- Terri Tunick