It is well established that people do crazy things for a whole host of reasons. Most of these are listed and explained in the psycho-analyst's bible " The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders ". Explanations like " schizophrenia " and " depression " are of course well known conditions, but this manual unearths some very unusual ones. Strangely, many of these are bridge related, and research is beginning to prove that the most effective way to end up crazy is to take up bridge. Once a person has embarked upon this perilous journey, he/she will inevitably develop one or more of these very extreme, and bizarre, mental disorders.
For instance, one such dark and dangerous condition is the OTHELLO SYNDROME , which is defined as a delusional or morbid jealousy. Many players harbour deep resentment when it is only others who get the opportunity to partner the club's top players. Having to witness their success, while they continue to experience abject failure and disappointment, it's not surprising to see these tortured souls consumed by desperation, loathing, and hatred.
BRAIN LAG is another perculiar condition, which is evident within any group of bridge players who constantly bemoan the fact " my brain's gone dead ". Additional symptoms include blurred vision, spacial disorientation, extreme mental and physical fatigue, and random thinking. For instance, a sufferer might fail to distinguish his diamonds from his hearts, and so will make an opening 3-level red suit pre-empt ( vulnerable ) on as much as a singleton or doubleton. There was one occasion when a player suffering from acute brain lag once passed a 18 point hand, because he thought Aces were nothing more than worthless spot cards.
Lastly, bridge players might well encounter a prolonged period where their addiction to the game becomes so overwhelming, nothing else in life matters. The reality is that they have fallen victim to a disorder known as CONTRACTUS MANICA . One likely symptom will be the insane pursuit of green points, in a costly attempt to establish a ranking befitting his/her playing ability. Nothing else matters. Failing to achieve success in these green pointed events is often enough to send the addict into a downward spiral of depression and despair. Only the next event can offer some respite from the intolerable withdrawal symptoms experienced by the victim.
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