Character building

“The game, bridge, apart from keeping the brain sharp, is a real character builder,” writes a Craigie regular. “I can thoroughly recommend it, especially for retired couples.

“My wife and I have played for years and still find it a fascinating pastime. We have seen bridge partners, especially married couples, fall out at the bridge table. One friend threw down his cards and stormed out of the room. We have also heard tales of bridge players shooting their partners because they did not give them their lead back.

“Early on, we agreed that we were both on the same side and trying our best to win and that any mistakes were not intended. If we had any grumbles about each other’s play, we agreed to voice them afterwards, in the privacy of our own home. Now and again, we have to remind each other of our pact, but, mostly, relative harmony reigns.

“It is dealing with opponents and players at other tables that our character is really tested – especially in the case of very slow players. We play at a steady pace, even fast compared with most, and it is often very difficult not to shout: ‘For goodness sake, would you please get a move on!’ to the worst offenders.

“One German lady we met on a bridge holiday abroad played so extremely slowly that we called her ‘Paint-dry’.

“Having said that, slow players at other tables give us time to have a natter with friends while we wait for them to finish – and we get to the table first at tea-break!”