Duplicate Bridge (a poem by Gary Bingham)
A formal card game
Played with a standard deck of 52 cards
Involves a partnership of two people
Has complex bidding formulas
that result in a contract
being made which
can be achieved by
obtaining tricks.
Not for the faint of heart.
Stifling sets of rules
Regarding bidding
And mannerisms
While playing
Can have a friendly environment
Mostly is not
Points are awarded based on performance at
A card table
Playing a number
Of hands of cards in succession.
A rotation is implemented
Where a new set of opponents is confronted and
the process is repeated
All these activities
consume hours of
play in a very
formal environment.
Many players are consumed with
Achieving bridge titles based on
Accrual of points and titles which mostly
Include jewelry stones
Followed by the word “master”
Distracting gestures, gloating are frowned upon
Violations of the many rules often result in a player calling for a referee called a “Director” who has the power to assess draconian penalties involving point reductions and banishment from the game.
Casual conversations are discouraged.
A thick skin is important to have to contend with
The rude, rules possessed, criticism.
Conventions are required to be explained on demand
Hours sitting playing invites the disabled, elderly, lethargic and competition driven.
To successfully play this game require constant study
And for many it is all consuming.
Passes time and distracts from life events.
