REBECCA ROOD'S MAILBAG..................

Dear Rebecca,

At this moment in time I seem unable to improve or upgrade my game. It's as though I'm permanently stuck on 3rd base.

Would paying and playing with better players help ?

Yours Amina Rutt

Dear Amina,

There's no question of doubt that sponsoring top players to be your partner in top class competitions will bring your game on in leaps and bounds. However, this is easier said than done.

For a start, have you got the money to be fleeced by these professionals ? Will these experts for hire be willing to be sponsored by you ? Will your self-confidence, self-belief and fragile ego stand up to the gruelling criticisms that will be heaped upon you, by those who are so adept at spotting mistakes ? Have you the mental agility and IQ to take on board more advanced problem solving, analytical thinking and card reading. I would have to say the odds are very much against you.

Remember this : sensible fish always look for a pond where they are never likely to end up as the minnow food for sharks ? Moreover, it's far far better to be a 5 foot tall giant in a land of dwarfs, than a 5'4" runt in a world of lanky basketball players.

Yours giving it to you good and straight, Rebecca Rood