THE INEXPLICABLE FOLLIES OF BRIDGE PLAYERS.......
( Article by Carp )

The things bridge players do !  Actions and antics which beggar all belief.  Behaviour that is so absurd and bizarre it raises serious questions about their intelligence and sanity.


How the hell does one explain why they

• constantly seek to partner higher ranking players who they know will make their lives a bloody misery with relentless barrages of criticism and insults
• agree to play bidding conventions and gadgets they don't fully understand 
• expect TDs to offer them sympathy , understanding and justice when rulings have been called for by intimidating and imposing opponents
• talk themselves into adopting a line of play which is grossly inferior to the one they first considered
• believe that committee members will always place the interests of club members as a whole ahead of their own personal aims and ambitions
• continue to believe that the experience of being thrashed and humiliated week after week will turn them into better players
• spend countless thousands of pounds in the quest for ranking points , when everyone knows that whole ranking system is flawed and totally meaningless
• think sponsored partners will enjoy the experience of the occasion , when it is so obvious that these mercenaries will show nothing but disdain and contempt for them
• believe despite all their numerous failings and shortcomings that they are entitled to call themselves " club experts "
• never learn from past mistakes , allowing magical thinking to convince them that next time the same hopelessly inferior lines of play will reap big dividends 
• allow committees to crack down on rude behaviour but to ignore the far greater sins of slow play and soft cheating 
• claim to be sensible and rational people when allowing actions and decisions to be dictated by irrational beliefs , omens , and superstitions

Indeed , the truth is out there : the world of bridge is far more bizarre than anyone could ever possibly imagine.